Tobacco Cultivation and its
Affects on Biodiversity

What is Biodiversity?
• Biodiversity is defined as the
variation in living organisms,
viewed within a given habitat,
ecosystem or in the world as a
whole.
• Biodiversity is usually applied to
study the diversity of species.
• Biodiversity is vital within the
sustainability of ecosystems and
environments.
• In regards to agriculture,
biodiversity aids in the growth and
cultivation of a number of crops
due to the importance of
pollinators.

Importance of Biodiversity
The services it provides for Biological resources, Ecosystem
services and Social benefits.

Biological Resources
• A healthy biodiversity provides the following
natural services for biological resources:
- Food
- Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs
- Wood products
- Ornamental Plants
- Breeding stocks and population reservoirs
- Future resources
- Diversity within gene pools, species and
ecosystems

Ecosystem Services
• A healthy biodiversity provides a number of
natural services for ecosystems:
- Protection of water resources
- Soil formation and protection (vital in
agriculture)
- Nutrient storage and recycling
- Pollution breakdown and absorption
- Contribution to climate stability
- Maintenance of ecosystems
- Recovery from unpredictable events

Social Benefits
• A healthy biodiversity provides a number of
social benefits:
- Research
- Education and monitoring
- Recreation and tourism (especially in Xanthi
and its rich history of tobacco farming)
- Cultural values
- Aesthetic values
- Economical benefits

Main causes of Biodiversity Loss
There are many threats to the biodiversity within environments
such as the following:

Alterations in Ecosystem Composition
Assemblages of species and their interaction with their ecosystems is critical for not only saving the species, but also
for their successful future evolution. In the event of alteration, either within species groups or within the
environment, entire ecosystems can be affected. Alteration to ecosystems are a critical factor contributing to species
and habitat loss. This is of particular note within agriculture and farmed areas.
Over-Exploitation
Over-farming areas can quickly lead to a decline of biodiversity. Changing
consumption patterns of human if often cited as the key reason for this
unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Over-farming can also
disrupt natural nutrient and mineral storage in soil.
Global Climate Change
Both climate variability and climate
change cause biodiversity loss. Species
and populations may be lost
permanently, if they are not provided
with enough time to adapt to changing
climatic conditions.
Pollution and Contamination
Biological systems respond slowly to
changes in their environments. Pollution
and contamination cause irreversible
damage to species. Especially with the
use of pesticides that are not properly
recycled.
Alien Species
Introduction of exotic animal or plant
species may lead to the loss of even
extinction of important native species
within the ecosystems and
environments.
Habitat Loss and Destruction
Habitat loss if directly linked to human
induced pressures on lands. This is one
of the greatest threats to biodiversity in
regards to agriculture and farming.

Research Project: Summer 2015
Investigating the Impacts of ΣEKE Tobacco Cultivation
on Biodiversity

Introduction of Project
• Aim: To use random sampling and quadrants to assess the impacts and risks arising from
business operations such as tobacco cultivation on biodiversity within given areas
• Areas sampled: Stavroupoli area, Xanthi Jebel area, Xanthi Plain area, Komotini areas,
Serres area, Katerina area, Thessali area, Bulgaria area.
Stavroupoli Area Xanthi Jebel Area Xanthi Plain Area

Method
• Locate five different tobacco field locations with selected environments such
as: high dry grass, near a water source, shaded, high sun exposure and
average tobacco plot.
• Measure a 1m by 1m quadrant within, nearby or around a tobacco plot.
• Using species/guide, identify and count the number of different insect
classes.
• Also take note of other species, such as birds, sheep, lizards or other
vertebrates within the area. These can be used as indicators of biodiversity.

Project Locations
Stavroupoli Area Xanthi Jebel Area Xanthi Plain Area Komotini I Komotini II Komotini III Katerina Area Thessali Area*
Archaeognatha (Bristletails) 1
Ephermeroptera (Mayflies - indicator)
Odonta (Dragonflies and damselflies) 3 4 3 1 9
Grylloblattodea (Rock crawlers)
Dermaptera (Earwigs)
Zoraptera (minute insects)
Plecoptera (stoneflies - indicator)
Embioptera (web spinners) 4 5 6 4 3 2
Phasmida (stick insects) 1
Orthoptera (grasshoppers etc.) 17 7 11 9 4 3 11 16
Pscoptera (booklice and barklice) 1
Thysanoptera (thrips)
Hemiptera (true bugs) 3 1 1 1
Blattodea (cockroaches) 1 1
Isoptera (termites)
Matodea (mantids)
Megaloptera (alderflies, fishflies and
dobsonflies)
Neuroptera (lacewings) 1
Coleoptera (beetles) 1 5
Diptera (true flies, mosquitoes and
gnats)
10 22 24 15 11 13 25 11
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) 12 5 12 3 17 8 12 6
Hymentoptera (ants, bees and wasps) 20 46 28 17 18 22 17 21
Total Number of Insects 72 91 86 52 55 49 75 55
*Was unable to find tobacco plots with
the appropriate conditions

Stavroupli Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
Close to tobacco plot, dry grasses
patches of dry soil. Small weeds
and low shrubs. High amount of
bees and ants.
Right next to a tobacco plant,
fertile soil - moist, short shurbs
and short grass with unsteady
terrain.
Plain, dry soil with short and few
shrubs. High sun exposure and
low water sources, close to a
factory. Unused tobacco plot.
High grass and no shurbbery,
near a plain field. Large amounts
of sun exposure. Close to a
factory.
Near river, many plants, high shrubs
and fertile soil. Close by well
watered tobacco plot.
Total Number of
Insects
12 9 3 19 29
Total Number of
Classes
4 4 4 8 9
Analysis
The high amount of bees and
wasps indicates a high amount of
biodiveristy as they are keystone
species, and are required in the
process of pollination. Their
presence near or within a tobacco
plot is a positive addition.
High amounts of ants which
allows for good soil, ideal for
crop planting.
Despite high sun exposure and a
large area for tobacco growing,
the remnants of the crops have
limited amounts of insect classes,
this may be due to the nearby
marble factory, however cannot
to be directly connected. But as
the tobacco plot is not currently
in use, the low amount of insects
should be noted.
Area next to quadrant 3, high
grass which consists of a number
of different insect classes. Is
proved to have a higher amount
of biodiversity due to high grass,
especially for grasshoppers.
A flowing river provides natural
irrigation, as well as groundwater to
provide sustainable hydration for
the tobacco crops. The high
amount of insect classes boosts a
thriving biodiversity as well as an
ecosystem which benefits both the
environment and the agricultural
processing of tobacco.
Cause for Concern NO NO MAYBE NO NO

Xanthi Plain Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
By riverside, close to tobacco -
separated by a small road. Plenty of
trees and high grass, fertile soil with
small shrubs close by. High amount
of flying insects, especially bees due
to shrubs with flowers.
Shaded area, dry ground with few
insects and high amount of ants.
Several ant nests within the
quadrant area.
Flat ground, dry and sandy soil.
High exposure to sunlight, no trees
nearby and no birds. Tall, dry grass.
Tall dry grass along the
roadside and tobacco plot.
Birds flying overhead, high
amount of grasshoppers and
small crickets.
Close to a highway, right next to the
plot. Dry grass with few shrubs,
lacking moisture and tobacco has
been cultivated.
Total Number of
Insects
32 9 13 16 16
Total Number of
Classes
6 3 4 5 5
Analysis
High amount biodiversity due to
shrubs and water source. High
number of pollinators which benefit
both the surrounding vegetation and
the tobacco plot. Allowing for a
healthy source of water from the
river. Water is clear, and is a healthy
habitat for a number of organisms
including frogs.
The ant nests observed within the
area are a good sign of fertile soil,
as they’re burrowing and turning
over soil - aerating and
redistributing minerals within the
soil. They also increase
biodiversity due to their know
ability to protect herbivores,
including caterpillars and
butterflies - prime pollinators.
Unlike many quadrants with high
grass, there was a lower amount of
biodiversity. However a high
amount of insects were counted -
which makes the small amount of
birds in the area strange. This may
be due to the alternation of an
ecosystems composition due to
tobacco.
Tall dry grass provides an
ideal habitat for
grasshoppers and crickets as
well as pollinators such as
bees. It also allows an
ecosystem to thrive despite
a road being next to the
area. Tobacco plot is
surrounded by grass.
Area close to a highway and train
tracks, some littering. High sun
exposure leads to dry and few shrubs
which does not attract beetles or
bugs, however it is suitable for ants
and flying pollinators. However
surrounded by open plains with no
shade. Advised to reduce removal of
surrounding vegetation and keep
track of rubbish build up.
Cause for Concen NO NO MAYBE NO MAYBE

Xanthi Jebel Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
By riverside, close to the
tobacco plot. Moist soil,
surrounded by trees and grass.
Mountainside, high sun
exposure, large plot.
On mountainside, dry, high sun
exposure with a high number of
birds.
Sandy soil, mountain side again,
limited supply of water, limited
trees and not many wildlife (birds
etc.)
Lower on the mountainside,
shaded area right next to a
road. High grass.
Total Number of Insects 15 16 22 19 17
Total Number of Classes 4 6 4 3 6
Analysis
Close by a river, allowing for
irrigaiton of the tobacco crops.
Expected high amounts of
biodiversity, however a small
number of insects where
counted. This may be due to an
alteration in ecosystem
composition due to agriculture
and farming.
High amount of pollinators
present within this quadrant.
Plot is well watered, and has
ideal sun exposure. Elevated
above the road which could be
a reason for an increased
amount of biodiversity.
Despite limited amount of
vegetation and high sun
exposure, high number of
insects collected such as ants
and bees. Nearby was a
deciduous forest with a high
number of birds. This hints at a
thriving ecosystem between the
forested area, insects in the plot
and birds that were circling in
the sky above it.
Surrounded grasses and trees
seem to have been cleared away,
one tree left behind is noted to be
dying. The plot is right by a road,
therefore some rubbish is present.
This may be affecting the amount
of biodiversity. Few insects
classes were noted, the lowest
amount of the 5 quadrants.
Quadrant was found in a
shaded area on the mountain
side near the road, consisted of
high grasses which contained a
high amount of biodiversity.
Small plots of tobacco carved
into the natural vegetation
appear to consist of higher
amounts of biodiversity.
Cause for Concern NO NO NO MAYBE NO

Komotini I Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
Shaded area alongside the road,
shorts grass and nearby a tree. Small
shrubs among the plot, with flowers -
however not many pollinators,
instead a high amount of ants.
Area nearby a small wooded area.
Dry, high grass with many
grasshoppers. Soil is dry however
more plants grow closeby.
Low amount of recycling, high
amounts of rubbish alongside the
tobacco plot. Dry grass. Low
amounts of biodiversity.
Alongside river, stones and grass.
Moist soil and shaded however
low amount of biodiversity.
Within 100 meters of a tobacco
field.
Tobacco plot nearby river,
small weeds and shrubs
grown close by.
Total Number of Insects 7 18 9 10 8
Total Number of Classes 4 5 3 3 3
Analysis
Despite the low amount of
pollinators, the presence of ants and
ants nests are a good sign of an
increase in biodiversity.
Plants that are growing near
tobacco and consist of insects are
a positive indicator that the plot
has not affected its surroundings.
In the area where there is a high
amount of garbage and low
recycling, there is a significantly
lower amount of biodiversity. Only
flying insects were noted, however
there was a large amount of flies -
most likely attracted to the rubbish.
Information about recycling and
clean up are advised.
A lot of small flies found near the
river, however few other species
or classes of insect found. River
is clear and has no indicator
species of pollution, however
there is an area where water
remains still before flowing
underneath the cement bridge.
However water samples have
displayed it is a healthy water
source.
Low amount of biodiversity
despite proximity to a river
and surrounded by small
shrubs. However some
keystone species present such
as bees and ants which
indicate a positive ecosystem
in regards to the tobacco
cultivation.
Cause for Concern NO NO YES MAYBE NO

Komotini II Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
Close to the river, nearby a road
and is a mix of dry grass.
Shaded area, with dry, cracked
ground. Limited amount of
species despite being close to
water and vegetation. Area that
is farmed frequently.
Dry grass, area recycles.
Tobacco plot in the center of a
small town. Does not recycle
and a lot of rubbish as it is close
to a bus stop.
Area with tall, high grass. By
roadside, a lot of vegetation
surrounding the plot.
Total Number of Insects 11 3 13 10 16
Total Number of Classes 5 3 3 4 5
Analysis
Average amount of biodiversity.
Due to proximity of the river
and mix of grassland.
Expected high amounts of
biodiversity, however a small
number of insects where
counted. This may be due to an
alteration in ecosystem
composition due to agriculture
and farming.
Area which recycles makes a
large difference. Does not
attract parasitic flies and disrupt
other insects within the
ecosystems.
Despite the high amount of
rubbish, there were still insect
present. However to increase
the number of classes, recycling
would be adivsed if able.
Area is well irrigated and has a
high amount of biodiversity.
Especially with the class odonta
(dragonflies etc.) which is a
positive indicator due to their
role in the food chains and thus
ecosystems.
Cause for Concen NO MAYBE NO MAYBE NO

Komotini III Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
By a river, no tobacco plot
within 100 meters, however
large enough that suggests it is a
source of irrigation for a
number of crops.
High latitude, high exposure to
the sun. Barely any ground
based insects, mostly flying
insects.
In shaded area, a high amount
of birds observed. Possible
presence of caterpillars. Closeby
a river and soil is fertile and
good for tobacco growing.
Dry grass and high exposure to
sunlight.
Tobacco plot within the middle
of a vegetable garden. A high
number of bees and other
pollinators. Well watered due to
proximity to a river.
Total Number of Insects 10 1 7 9 16
Total Number of Classes 2 1 3 3 3
Analysis
There is an average amount of
biodiversity surrounding the
river. Including small insects
which lay eggs in water based
areas, which suggests both a
healthy source of water and a
thriving ecosystem.
Is an area frequently farmed
with crops. Therefore constant
soil turnover etc. may reduce
the amount of insects present.
Also limited vegetation
surrounding it, therefore not
attracting insects.
Area is well irrigated, shaded
and cared for. A high number
of birds which indicates a food
chain.
Despite high exposure to the
sun, insect species are still
present. The dry vegetation
surrounding the plot appears so
provide a suitable condition for
an ecosystem.
Tobacco plot is surrounded by
a high amount of diverse
vegetation. It attracts a high
number of pollinators,
providing a thriving ecosystem.
Cause for Concen NO MAYBE NO NO NO

Katerina Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
By roadside, harvested and close
to a factory. High sun exposure.
Near a river, and near a forested
area. Surrounded by a number
of other tobacco plots.
Area with high grass and is well
irrigated. Surrounded by forest
on hillside.
Shaded area, underneath trees.
Well irrigated with dryish soil.
Standard tobacco plot, found
near the roadside. High sun
exposure, flat ground. Dry soil.
Total Number of Insects 7 18 16 13 23
Total Number of Classes 2 6 3 4 5
Analysis
Nearby a road and a factory,
however low amount of
biodiversity recorded. This may
be due to possible factory
pollution or busy road nearby.
Plot may be close to expiration.
High amount of biodiversity
present.
Surrounded by a wooded area,
well irrigated and thus attracting
a high number of dragonflies
and grasshoppers which are a
vital species to ecosystems.
Surrounded by a wooded area,
well irrigated and thus attracting
a high number of dragonflies
and grasshoppers which are a
vital species to ecosystems.
High amount of biodiversity
with a thriving amount of
insects that are easily observed.
Ants, bees, butterflies,
grasshoppers, dragonflies and
other insects are present.
Cause for Concen YES NO NO NO NO

Thessali Area
1 2 3 4 5
Description
Area that recycles, high amount
of grass beside the road.
Irrigated area, low plants, beside
the road and contains low and
short weed like plants.
Unspecified species but attract a
number of bee's.
High dry grass, high amount of
grasshoppers. High sun
exposure and not close to any
water sources. However is near
the town.
N/A N/A
Total Number of Insects 22 10 21 - -
Total Number of Classes 3 3 5 - -
Analysis
Average amount of biodiversity.
Despite being by the roadside,
grass along the tobacco plot
provides a good environment.
Tobacco plot is surrounded by a
high amount of diverse
vegetation. It attracts a high
number of pollinators, providing
a thriving ecosystem.
High amount of biodiversity
with a thriving amount of
insects that are easily observed.
Ants, bees, butterflies,
grasshoppers and other insects
are present.
- -
Cause for Concen NO NO NO - -

Evaluation of
Biodiversity Project
Location
The location of the
various tobacco plots
served as unavoidable
factors. They were
incorporated into the
project to find the ideal
circumstances that allow a
high amount of
biodiversity. However the
latitude, longitude and
altitude of these areas may
affect which species are
present. Unfortunately this
is an unavoidable variable.
Weather/Season/Time
of Day
Once again these factors
are difficult to control and
may have affected the
number of insect classes
present in areas. For
example during the hottest
time of day, some insects
retreat underground or
among the leaves. To avoid
this problem, in future
studies, setting a timetable
of when the counting of
insects can occur.
Human Error
Counting the insects was
difficult due to the fact
they are constantly
moving. Therefore the
data collection is
vulnerable to inaccuracy.
However to avoid such
vulnerability, a more
controlled project
featuring repetition of
counting insects with a
number of observers to
find average number of
insect classes.
• Before discussing the results, it must
be taken into consideration that
various factors may have affected the
project.
• Factors such as the location, weather,
season, time of day and basic human
error may impact the results thus the
project.
• It would be greatly encouraged to
repeat this project with the changes
proposed (to the right) in order to
monitor and observe the biodiversity
and impacts of tobacco cultivation.

Results and Findings
• The results and findings displayed a number of factors that affected biodiversity but also revealed some
common conditions that affect the biodiversity within the various tobacco farming areas.
• Areas which are frequently farmed and the soil is constantly being turned over, have a significantly lower
amount of biodiversity such as the second plot in the Komotini II area. Despite the fact that it was in
proximity to water and contained some vegetation, the soil did not contain even the most common of
insects, ants. Thus areas that farmed regularly should be closely observed, for both the benefit of biodiversity
and agricultural purposes.
• The data collected also displays that tobacco plots with more vegetation surrounding them, in particular the
fifth vegetable garden/tobacco plot in Komotini III Area, attract and provide a thriving ecosystem with a
number of different insect species. It also avoid monoculture which may affect the soil.
• It was also observed that the most biodiverse tobacco areas were the small plots of tobacco carved into the
natural vegetation, instead of large, constantly farmed areas.

Conclusion
• In conclusion, high amounts of surrounding vegetation appear to be a key component to high biodiversity.
• Despite the fact that the tobacco fields themselves contain limited insect species, the majority of the surrounding
areas surveyed contained an average, or even above average amount of insect classes.
• Thus ΣEKE Tobacco cultivation has little affect on biodiversity. However areas that have been marked
“MAYBE” for cause for concern should be observed and surveyed in a later time.

Suggestions to Increase/Maintain
Biodiversity

Plant Native Species
As previously mentioned, areas with surrounding vegetation had a significantly higher amount of insect
species. Avoid non-native species of plants that may introduce and spread exotic fungal or viral
pathogens. Using native plants encourage rich and vibrant native wildlife and habitats, using less resources
to maintain than exotics not as suited to our climate.
Attract Wild Bees
Bee’s are the most well known and most common pollinators. Their
absence within or around a farming area decreases biodiversity of both
animals and plants. Wild bee’s are also found to be for effective than
domestic bee's however are only attracted to suitable conditions – ideally,
sustainable and diversified crop farms.
Eliminate Pesticides
Although ΣEKE does not use pesticides
within their tobacco fields, it is advised
that they continue to use organic
repellents that do not harm other
species of insects that are not known
tobacco pests.
Avoid Monoculture
Planting large masses of a single plant may
lead to uncontrolled pest problems. Mixing
plants together can eliminate the pesticides
and encourage multiple pollinators, thus
increase biodiversity. It also avoids nutrient
depletion that can happen from over-planting
one species.
Restore/Maintain Diverse Habitats
Seeking to preserve the integrity of a
habitat or re-create it with the addition
of tobacco crops increase biodiversity
and may even create a biodiverse
environment.
Habitat Loss and Destruction
Habitat loss if directly linked to human
induced pressures on lands. This is one of the
greatest threats to biodiversity in regards to
agriculture and farming. Avoid destroying
large amounts of habitat that are home to a
number of ecosystems.

Innovations to
Improve Biodiversity
Seed Banks: Aid in preserving seed
varieties, and protect farmers from
seed loss whilst simultaneously
reducing monoculture.
Permaculture: Designing plots and
farms by taking advantage of
natural ecological processes such
as water flow, presence of living
things and variations of crops.
Protecting Native Species: The
protection of native species aids in
the native ecosystems formed
around them, including pollination
which is vital for farming.
• A number of these innovations are founded
and tested with African countries – a prime area
for Tobacco farming.
• Due to the importance of biodiversity and the
environment, innovative ideas that combine
both agriculture and diversification aid in
improving and possible increasing areas that
have lost biodiversity and have been greatly
impacted.
• These are some suggestion that may be taken
into consideration at ΣEKE Tobacco Company.