Soil plays a key role in plant growth. Beneficial aspects to plants include providing physical support, water, heat, nutrients, and oxygen (Figure 1). Mineral nutrients from the soil can dissolve in w...Soil plays a key role in plant growth. Beneficial aspects to plants include providing physical support, water, heat, nutrients, and oxygen (Figure 1). Mineral nutrients from the soil can dissolve in water and then become available to plants. Although many aspects of soil are beneficial to plants, excessively high levels of trace metals (either naturally occurring or anthropogenically added) or applied herbicides can be toxic to some plants.
This page discusses biological pest control, highlighting its use of natural predators for environmental safety and sustainability. It cites successful historical examples, such as the vedalia beetle ...This page discusses biological pest control, highlighting its use of natural predators for environmental safety and sustainability. It cites successful historical examples, such as the vedalia beetle and sterile male technique. Advances in genetic engineering and other methods like sex attractants and beneficial bacteria are noted as improvements. However, the importance of maintaining ecological balance to avoid unintended consequences is emphasized.
