Species diversity & biodiversity in the garden

Biodiversity concerns everyone. Here you can find out what biodiversity is, how it develops and what you and your garden can contribute.

Species diversity and biodiversity are also threatened in Germany. However, humanity is heavily dependent on the preservation of this wealth, even if we are often not aware of it. Gardens can make a very large contribution to the preservation of important living beings, which is why we are here for you Information and practical tips have been compiled on how to turn your garden into a paradise for all living beings can transform.

Species diversity and biodiversity

Biodiversity generally describes the variety of species found in a given area. This can mean fungal and bacterial species as well as animal and plant species. Biodiversity, on the other hand, means the variety that exists within species. Because just as no one is exactly the same as another, there is greater or lesser genetic diversity within a species.

Biodiversity and Biodiversity: Importance

Diversity is a sign of fit ecosystems. Many species and a variety of different genetic types within those species are in the Able to survive adversity in their environment, using all their variations to adapt be able. But what does it matter to us humans how fit the earth's ecosystems are?

In short, functioning ecosystems are the basis of our existence. We constantly use the services provided by our environment: our agriculture uses the biological function of the microorganisms living in fertile soils. Natural bodies of water contribute to the provision of clean drinking water. Plants and algae produce oxygen. Specialized insects pollinate most crops. Plants produce active ingredients that can be used in medicines. The worldwide diversity of plants is a valuable source for new active ingredients or properties that are required in the breeding of crop plants.

The destruction of species diversity and biodiversity cuts us off from the benefits of natural cycles and obstructs them us the way to medicinal substances or resistant plants that should also secure our nutrition in the future.

What do we have to do with biodiversity?

We humans can favor or even prevent biodiversity and biodiversity. We are currently changing the earth at such a rapid pace that many species can hardly keep up with the adaptation and are decimated. This reduces diversity and ultimately also species diversity if entire species become extinct. This only arises anew through the natural mutation of the genome - a diversity that is caused by different habitats and a lot of time. However, human development hardly allows for this development, so that species diversity and biodiversity in many parts of the world are declining faster than they can develop again.

Overview: How humans reduce species diversity and biodiversity

• Agriculture relies on large-scale monocultures instead of extensive farming, which would provide a habitat for many species. The production of meat devours additional land
• Extinction of species through over-intensive fishing, hunting or logging
• Destruction of habitats through over-fertilization, pollution or restructuring into housing, roads, cultivated land or industrial forests
• Introduction of non-native species that are superior to native species and displace them from their habitat
• In particular, climate change leads to global changes that the continued existence of specialized species

Biodiversity in Germany

Species diversity and biodiversity are declining worldwide and also in Germany. In a Europe-wide comparison, the Federal Republic is in a bad position, after all there are more species here endangered, "lost" or demonstrably extinct than in many other European species countries is the case. The Red List of Endangered Animals shows that more than 5% of the species in this country are already extinct or "missing". Almost 30% are considered endangered.

Preserve and protect biodiversity in the garden

It has been proven that even the smallest areas can make a huge contribution to the preservation of species diversity and biodiversity. Incidentally, you as a garden owner (or balcony owner) also benefit from this in many ways. We have therefore put together a few tips for you that will also turn your garden into a true life raft for living beings.

Tips for more biodiversity in the garden:

• Use native plants. Native insects and animals are adjusted to their heyday and fruit supply. Hedges of native trees provide shelter and food for birds, insects and small mammals. Don't rule out wild herbs either: if your garden has space for a "wild corner", leave it to nature. A flowering meadow is also a very aesthetic option. This does not have to be mowed and often prevails year after year.
• It is essential to avoid using pesticides in the garden, as these often affect other organisms as well. In many cases, you can also stop pests in other ways. Creating habitats for beneficial insects can often limit problems to a tolerable level.

• Use organic fertilizers and organic fertilizers. These integrate the entire soil life and preserve its diversity. Animal-free fertilizers ultimately use up less valuable land than animal-based ones. For this reason we have developed our own animal-free Plantura organic fertiliser: You can read more about ours here Plantura organic fertilizer Experienced.
• Try not to see your garden as an outside living room. Leave a few leaves here and there, leave wilted perennials and watch the natural development with interest rather than displeasure. Sometimes interesting animals or beautiful wild plants suddenly settle down and you will be rewarded not least by the sight of them.
• If your garden still looks very tidy, then it is best to create artificial breeding areas by installing nesting boxes or insect hotels. These are all the more readily accepted when they are integrated into a diverse environment: no insect will be interested in a beautiful insect hotel on a bare lawn. By the way, a particularly interesting habitat donor is one drywall. This offers a wide variety of lighting, temperature and humidity zones and can also be planted very decoratively.

If you are interested in how your Turn your garden into a bee paradise we have the right article ready for you.