Dr. Riho Marja, a former member of SHOWCASE, recently delivered a talk titled "Agri-environment schemes' effects on arthropods across European farmlands - results from three meta-analyses" at a COST Action webinar on 17 July, 2024. This webinar was part of the COST Action T0P-AGRI-Network initiative, which aims to transition towards agriculture free of synthetic pesticides, promoting an integrated approach to redesigning the food system with a strong focus on young scientists.

During her presentation, Dr. Marja highlighted the findings from a SHOWCASE-funded study that examined the effects of agri-environment schemes (AES) on arthropods and crop yield. This study, led by institutions such as the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Wageningen University & Research, Agroscope and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, was published in the Journal of Environmental Management. It provided valuable insights into the simultaneous impacts of AES on both biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

Over recent decades, intensified farming practices, agrochemical use, and habitat loss have led to a significant decline in biodiversity across agricultural landscapes. In response, AESs have been implemented throughout Europe to mitigate these environmental impacts and enhance biodiversity, which in turn could benefit crop production through ecological intensification. However, the effectiveness of AESs can vary based on their implementation and management.

The study revealed that while agri-environment schemes generally boost arthropod diversity, they often result in reduced crop yields or increased expenses, with outcomes varying by landscape. In simple landscapes, AES fields saw a 21% decline in yield but a 31% increase in arthropod diversity, highlighting the trade-off between conservation and productivity. In contrast, complex landscapes showed no significant differences in arthropod richness, abundance or yield between AES and control fields. Additionally, out-of-production AESs, such as grassy margins and wildflower strips, enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem services, but they raised concerns about potential yield reductions among farmers and impact their acceptance of these practices.

Read more about the paper here.

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Image: T0P-AGRI-Network initiative header image