Farmland biodiversity and the footprint of agriculture

Butler, S. J., Vickery, J. A. and Norris, K. (2007) Farmland biodiversity and the footprint of agriculture. Science, 315 (5810). pp. 381-384. ISSN 0036-8075 doi: 10.1126/science.1136607

Abstract/Summary

Sustainable development requires the reconciliation of demands for biodiversity conservation and increased agricultural production. Assessing the impact of novel farming practices on biodiversity and ecosystem services is fundamental to this process. Using farmland birds as a model system, we present a generic risk assessment framework that accurately predicts each species' current conservation status and population growth rate associated with past changes in agriculture. We demonstrate its value by assessing the potential impact on biodiversity of two controversial land uses, genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops and agri-environment schemes. This framework can be used to guide policy and land management decisions and to assess progress toward sustainability targets.