In what way does biotechnology improve resource use efficiency?

Biotechnology improves resource use efficiency primarily through optimized farming practices. This involves using biotechnological methods to enhance crop yields, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought or salinity. For example, genetically modified crops can be engineered to utilize water more efficiently or to require fewer chemical inputs, such as fertilizers or pesticides, thereby reducing waste and resource consumption.

Such optimized practices help farmers achieve higher productivity per unit of input, leading to more sustainable agricultural systems. By integrating biotechnology with traditional methods, farmers can make better use of existing resources, ensuring that they produce more food from the same or fewer inputs.

In contrast, reliance solely on organic methods may limit the utilization of certain advanced technologies that could boost efficiency. Reducing the variety of crops could negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, while minimizing agricultural inputs can also lead to compromised yield potential if not managed carefully. Therefore, optimized farming practices that incorporate biotechnology are key to enhancing resource use efficiency in agriculture.