Functional Agro-Biodiversity: An Evaluation of Current Approaches and Outcomes

Lindsay C. Maskell (), Alan Radbourne, Lisa R. Norton, Sabine Reinsch, Jamie Alison, Liz Bowles, Katrien Geudens and David A. Robinson
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Lindsay C. Maskell: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
Alan Radbourne: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
Lisa R. Norton: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
Sabine Reinsch: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
Jamie Alison: Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
Liz Bowles: Soil Association, Spear House, 51 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AD, UK
Katrien Geudens: Hooibeekhoeve, Hooibeeksedijk 1, 2440 Geel, Belgium
David A. Robinson: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: The European Union’s ‘Green Deal’ proposes an ambitious roadmap towards climate neutrality by 2050 and the adoption of a circular economy. Functional AgroBiodiversity (FAB) measures, which balance food production with minimised impacts on nature, are a promising way to achieve this on farmland. Here, we undertake a rapid evidence assessment to highlight Functional Agro-Biodiversity (FAB) management measures which help to realise biodiversity, climate neutrality, efficiency in use of natural resources and the circular economy. We report evidence on the effectiveness of 10 common FAB measures employed in Europe following a resurgence of interest and increased availability of data on their impact. The review found that the outcomes of implementing FAB measures were largely positive, with a number of mixed effects. There are evidence gaps, e.g., the impact of FAB measures on yield, the magnitude and timescale of impacts, the effect of landscape context. We signpost the most relevant and well-documented FAB measures, providing a reference for land managers and practitioners to select FAB measures to achieve specific ecological and agricultural outcomes. It is also important to note that a combination of measures implemented in a strategic way can enhance the output success.

Keywords: reduced tillage; crop rotations; cover crops; organic matter input; agroforestry; reduction in plant protection products (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:11:p:2078-:d:1283025

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