Concepts from last class
Can you name a beneficial insect that we learned from the last class
Bee
Why might a farmer choose to grow only one crop?
Easier, faster, cheaper
What do you think a monoculture is?
Growing one type of plant on a field
What do you think a Polyculture is?
A garden that grows different types of plants that benefit each other
If you were a bee, would you rather visit one type of flower or many types? Why?
possible answer: many types because there's more food options
Why might a farmer grow many different crops together?
Healthier soil, fewer pests, more variety
Why could monoculture make crops more vulnerable to pests or disease?
Because all plants are the same and can be affected easily
How could growing different plants together help protect crops?
It can reduce pests and disease spreading
Why might pests spread more easily in a field with only one type of crop?
They can move easily from plant to plant because everything is the same
Which type of farm (monoculture or polyculture) do you think needs more planning and why?
Mixed crops
What might happen if a disease affects the only crop growing in a field?
The whole crop could be damaged or lost
How does polyculture support biodiversity?
It increases the variety of plants, insects, and animals in an area
How might having many different types of plants in one field help reduce pest problems?
Pests may not spread as easily and some plants can protect others
Which farm might be better for the environment (monoculture or polyculture)?
Mixed crops because it supports biodiversity
What might happen to soil over time in a monoculture system?
it could lose nutrients or become less healthy
What challenges might a farmer face when using polyculture?
Harder to manage or harvest different crops