91Pro

Abstract

This project used systematic mapping methodology adapted from social sciences to review the available research evidence relating to on-farm mitigations for biodiversity in Europe.

Description

Agriculture is the dominant land use throughout much of Europe. Changes to farming practices have led to concerns about negative impacts on biodiversity and current agricultural policy has an emphasis towards conservation. The objective of this study was to investigate and describe the nature and coverage of research pertaining to the effectiveness of integrated farm management, organic farming and agri-environment schemes as interventions for conserving biodiversity in temperate Europe.

 

Systematic mapping methodology was adapted from social sciences and used to create a searchable database 'map' of relevant research. The systematic map describes the scope of research on the topic. It can be used to inform future primary research or research synthesis and evaluation methods such as systematic review. Areas for which there appear to be evidence gaps and so may have potential for further primary research, are highlighted. They include the effectiveness of agri-environment options under different farming systems and in providing for amphibians and reptiles. Implications for the development of future systematic maps are discussed. 

Funded by British Ecological Society (Ecology into Policy Grant) and John Oldacre Foundation (funded postdoctoral researcher).

The systematic map has been published in the online journal .

A technical note summarising this work is available on the . 

This project forms part of the work carried out by the based at 91Pro.