THE TROPHIC CASCADE.

A trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon where changes at the top of the food chain, such as the removal or introduction of a predator, trickle down and impact the entire ecosystem. For instance, if a predator population declines, herbivores might increase, which can lead to overgrazing and damage to plant life. The effects of a trophic cascade can influence not just the balance of animal populations but also plant health, soil quality, and the overall biodiversity of an area.

Through healthy gardening practices, we can encourage a ground-up approach to ecology, initiating positive trophic cascades from the bottom of the food chain. By fostering habitats that support insects, bugs, and microorganisms—such as providing rich soil, native plants, and avoiding pesticides—we aim to create environments where small organisms thrive. These creatures, in turn, attract birds, amphibians, and small mammals, contributing to a balanced ecosystem that naturally regulates itself through predator-prey interactions.

This approach is particularly beneficial for improving biodiversity in urban or cultivated environments, where human activities often reduce natural habitats. Supporting beneficial insects like pollinators or decomposers helps maintain healthy plant growth and soil conditions. A garden that supports biodiversity from the smallest organisms up encourages a more sustainable, self-regulating ecosystem, improving overall ecological health and resilience.