| סיכום: | Forest conversion for agricultural expansion is among the major driver of
biodiversity losses worldwide. Agricultural land use, however, may have different
impacts on overall biodiversity especially insects. Understanding landscape
heterogeneity between monoculture and polyculture systems can improve
conservation of insect biodiversity in agricultural plantations. The present study
compared terrestrial insect abundance and order richness between polyculture
orchard, monoculture rubber and monoculture oil palm plantations. The study
was carried out in Kampung Sungai Lalah, Pedas, Negeri Sembilan from January
to February 2018. Terrestrial insects were sampled using pitfall traps at all
agricultural landscapes (total sampling point = 45). In overall, the study recorded
2555 individuals belonging to 10 insect orders. Polyculture orchard recorded
greater insect abundance and order richness followed by monoculture oil palm
and monoculture rubber plantations. Polyculture orchard also showed greater
vegetation cover and relative humidity. In addition, Dermaptera and Homoptera
were also recorded in polyculture orchard and monoculture oil palm plantations.
The findings from this study indicate that polyculture systems can support greater
insect abundance and diversity due to complex vegetation structure and higher
humidity. Local diversity of plants and insects also represent improved ecosystem
services such as decomposition rates. The findings suggest that agricultural
management should prioritize polyculture systems to improve insects
conservation and ecosystems services.
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