Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 102-110 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 106 and sorghum made it an attractive option for farmers. This shift in crop preference led to changes in land use patterns, with more land being allocated to maize cultivation (Figure 2). However, the increased focus on maize also meant that traditional practices of crop rotation and fallowing were often neglected, further exacerbating soil fertility issues (Cherniwchan et al., 2017). Moreover, in some regions, the increased productivity associated with maize cultivation supported higher population densities. This demographic shift placed additional pressure on agricultural land, as more food was needed to sustain the growing population. Consequently, the intensification of maize farming often led to the overexploitation of land resources, contributing to soil erosion and loss of arable land (Cherniwchan et al., 2017). Figure 2 The suitability of land for cultivating maize in Africa (Adopted from Cherniwchan et al., 2017) 5.2 Effects on biodiversity and local ecosystems One significant impact of maize introduction was the alteration of local ecosystems in Europe. The genetic uniformity of the maize initially brought to Europe meant that it had specific environmental requirements and traits that influenced how it integrated into existing agricultural systems. This genetic bottleneck could have led to reduced biodiversity as local farmers might have focused on cultivating this new, high-yield crop at the expense of traditional varieties (Galesi, 2021). In Africa, the introduction of maize had a different set of ecological consequences. The crop's adaptability to various climates allowed it to spread rapidly, often replacing indigenous crops. This shift not only altered the agricultural landscape but also had broader ecological implications. The increased cultivation of maize could have led to changes in soil composition and local flora, potentially reducing the diversity of plant species in the region (Cherniwchan et al., 2017). The broader environmental impacts of maize introduction also included changes in land use patterns. In many regions, the high productivity of maize encouraged the expansion of agricultural land, often at the expense of natural habitats. This expansion could have led to deforestation and habitat loss, further impacting local biodiversity. The shift in land use patterns was particularly evident in Europe, where maize cultivation became a significant part of the agricultural economy (Nunn and Qian, 2010; Galesi, 2021).
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