What is a potential downside of monoculture forestry?

Monoculture forestry involves the cultivation of a single species of tree over a large area. This practice can indeed increase the vulnerability to pests and diseases because when a single species is planted extensively, it creates an environment where pests and diseases that target that specific species can proliferate. Without the presence of diverse tree species, there are fewer natural predators or competitors that could help control these populations, leading to outbreaks that can devastate entire stands of trees.

Additionally, monoculture can result in reduced resilience to environmental changes, as a diverse forestry system often has species that can withstand different stressors such as drought, poor soil conditions, or varying climate factors. Thus, having a wide range of species can buffer the negative impacts of pests and diseases, which is a central reason why promoting biodiversity in forestry is crucial for sustainable forest management and health.