What is a primary impact of invasive species on agriculture?

Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem and, when introduced, can significantly alter the balance of that ecosystem. One primary impact of invasive species on agriculture is their ability to disrupt the natural systems in which crops and livestock operate. These disruptions can manifest in various ways, such as competition for resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to reduced productivity of native agricultural species.

Moreover, invasive species often come with pests and diseases that can affect both crops and livestock, leading to increased management costs for farmers. This might include the need for additional herbicides or pesticides, more intensive cultivation practices, or other control measures to mitigate the impact of these non-native species. Therefore, the presence of invasive species not only makes managing agricultural land more complex but also elevates the financial burden on farmers, affecting overall food production and sustainability.

In contrast, improvement in crop yields, lack of effect on agricultural systems, or benefits to local farmers typically do not apply to invasive species, as their introduction tends to have a negative rather than a positive influence on agricultural practices.