Some theoretical notes on agrobiodiversity: spatial heterogeneity and population interactions

摘要

Ecological interactions are fundamental in ecological pest management, and these interactions form networks. The properties of these networks, where interactions of all possible nature (positive, neutral, negative) coexist, are key for management, but little is known about them. The main reasons for this lack of knowledge are the difficulties in obtaining empirical evidence. These problems may be partially bypassed using a theoretical approach. Here, by means of mathematical models that represent networks of ecological interactions in agroecosystems, we characterize some architectural features that promote the self-regulation of population densities in these networks. The results show that the key features are: spatial heterogeneity and a high proportion of positive interactions.