Yes, that's right!
(This question had multiple correct responses.)
Planting a variety of crops and using natural predators are both great ways to get rid of harmful insects and still protect the watershed.
Crop Diversification
This farm has planted a variety of crops, such as beans, corn, squash, lettuce, beets, onions, and many other types of crops. Most plants aren't affected by the exact same diseases or insects, so if one crop fails (such as lettuce), it is likely that the farmer will still have other crops that remain undamaged (such as beans and corn).
Natural Predators
Natural predators eat insects that may harm the plants on the farm, such as aphids and spider mites. Using natural predators reduces the need for toxic chemicals, such as pesticides.
Why is using pesticides harmful to the watershed?
Toxic pesticides that are sprayed on fields can end up being washed into nearby streams and polluting the water.
Toxic pesticides can also kill natural predators, like ladybugs, and other wildlife.
Why are farms so important to people?
Farms produce much of the food that we eat, including vegetables, fruit, wheat, corn, and nuts.
Because we rely on farms for food, it's important to find ways to grow food in a way that is least harmful to the environment.
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