Researchers document the impact of agricultural practices
Published: Monday, Nov 25th 2024, 17:10
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Swiss researchers have analyzed data from over 1,200 studies on the effects of agricultural practices on biodiversity indicators. The effects of fertilization, grazing, organic farming and pesticide use on plants, birds, bees and annelids, among others, were investigated.
The intensification of agriculture has greatly changed the agricultural ecosystems in Europe - with a major impact on biodiversity. This was announced by Agroscope on Monday on X. The overview study by Agroscope and the Swiss Ornithological Institute now identifies the most important topics for future research.
The aim of the analysis was to identify thematic fields of knowledge and research gaps and to obtain an overview of the methods used by scientists. The study is described as a "systematic map". It makes it possible to identify paths for future studies.
The researchers concluded that management practices such as fertilization, tillage, grazing and mowing as well as a number of organic farming practices are well documented. At the species group level, ground beetles, spiders, bees, birds and earthworms were the most studied biodiversity groups.
The study also shows that less common practices such as intercropping, undersowing and agroforestry have not yet been sufficiently researched. Little is also known about the effects of different harvesting methods, biological pest control and insecticides.
Database freely accessible
Certain species groups such as amphibians and reptiles, snails, millipedes and centipedes are underrepresented in the biodiversity studies, according to the report. The studies also revealed major geographical differences in Europe.
The authors of the study developed a database based on reliable methods for assessing biodiversity. It helps interest groups who want to set up biodiversity monitoring. The database is freely accessible and can serve as a basis for more detailed studies.
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