Integrating insect dynamics in agricultural ecosystems: the role of predators, prey, and sustainable practices in enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

Abstract Insects play a pivotal role in food webs, influencing ecosystem stability through their interactions as herbivores, predators, and prey. This review explores the impact of agricultural practices on insect dynamics, focusing on how no-till farming, mulching, crop residues, and diverse farming systems like intercropping and crop rotation can shape predator-prey interactions. No-till systems, by reducing soil disturbance, enhance the survival of natural enemies such as ants, spiders, and beetles, indirectly regulating pest populations. Practices like mulching and maintaining crop residues hinder pests’ ability to locate host plants, boosting the abundance of natural predators. Additionally, crop rotation and intercropping create varied habitats, supporting a higher diversity of predators and improving biological pest control. These integrated approaches not only reduce reliance on chemical pesticides but also foster ecological balance and enhance agricultural sustainability. The review highlights the importance of sustainable land-use practices in preserving insect biodiversity and improving ecosystem resilience. Keywords: Biodiversity, food web and predator-prey interactions.