Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #20

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It is a thing of joy that we've crossed paths again via the subject Basic Knowledge in Agriculture and we will be focusing on Birds and Agriculture. Birds are part of the creatures referred to as farmer's friends and this is as a result of the significant roles they play in Agriculture. Their services ranges from natural pest controlled, flower pollinators, and even seed dispenser. In addition to the aforementioned, bird also plays significant roles in enhancing crop productivity in many ways

Despites the numerous functions of birds, one of the Major roles that Birds play in Agriculture is on the area of pest control. Birds such as Swallow, barn owl and sparrows makes insects and rodents their favorite meal which inturns plays significant roles in the control of plant pests. In addition, the control of plant pests reduces the use chemicals (pesticides) which may in turn cause harm on plants, environment, other animals and humans at large.

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On the area of Pollination, though insects such as bee and butterfly takes the lead, birds are also highly useful in this regards. Some Bird species such as hummingbirds and sunbirds, are good agents of Pollination as they play significant roles in fertilizing flowers. Basically, their impacts are most felt on plants that depends on cross pollination before producing their fruits and seeds.

On the area of Seed Dispersal, several bird species ranging from hornbills, songbirds and pigeons helps in dispensary of seeds which inturns prompt germination. Specifically, songbirds are known for eating fruits and berries and later passing it out through their droppings. Seeds later grow and contributes immensely on forest regenerate, biodiversity maintainance.as well as supporting the growth of some Agricultural crops.

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Although this is a rare achievement attributed to the birds. However, bird droppings serves as manure which helps in improving soil health since these droppings are always rich in Nitrogen and Phosphorus, which plays significant roles in enhancing soil fertility and in the process improves Soil health.

They are certain Crops whose survival are particularly dependent on birds in areas such as pollination and seed dispersals . Among these crops include;

Coffee and Cocoa: Here, many of the Insects that helps in the pollination of these crops are controlled by birds which uses their predators as food. As such, as their predators are being eliminated, there's an indirect contributions of the birds In improving the crop yields.

Sunflowers: Birds like hummingbirds helps in pollination of these crop.

Bananas and Figs: These are crops which rely heavily on seeds eating birds for seed dispersals. Which in turns favour their regenerate.

Nut Trees: under this category, the crops such as Almonds, Cashews, and Macadamia Nuts rely heavily on birds for their pollination of flowers and dispensary of seeds.

Going by this, it is essential to mention that crops which depends on birds would always thrive in areas where birds are part of the active contributors to the ecosystem and their crucial roles and responsibilities in maintaining biodiversity is highly crucial in the total well-being of Agricultural activities.

In regards food security, though certain birds eats up seeds and fruits, yet, their part in enhancing food security still stands out. Their contributions could be felt in the following ways;

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Through eating insects which would have attacked crops hereby causing diseases. Birds eats up these insects thus eliminating certain crop's diseases.

Birds also play significant roles in pollination which helps in fertilizations.

Birds enhances and furnish forests and grass land. This making food production a lucrative business.

By dispensing seeds, birds helps in forest regenerate and biodiversity.

Birds such as the poultry Contributes immensely to the protein of the nation and their droppings serves as manure for plants.

Birds enables farmer to save some of their costs. For instance, the money that would have been used for insecticides will always be saved then used for some other things. In addition, a study of farm land shows that bird consuming crop pest has the tendency of increasing plants yields by 5-10% and this impact Agricultural production greatly.

Birds drive ecotourism, which is a vital.soirce of revenue for conservation efforts and establishing mainly owned by the Government. This attracts tourists who come for bird watching)which later gets involved in buying and selling. Thus, boosting the economy.

It is true that birds are more than just wildlife; their roles I pest control, pollination and seed dispersals makes the bird a highly celebrated animal in Agricultural products.

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