08.07.
Diversification for biodiversity-friendly agriculture
Prof. Dr. Ingo Grass, Universität Hohenheim
Modern agriculture is a major driver of global biodiversity loss, and is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climatic and ecological shocks. This talk explores how agricultural diversification and ecological intensification can contribute to the development of productive farming systems that are also biodiversity-friendly. Drawing on empirical studies from temperate and tropical regions, including farm experiments in Germany and South Africa, as well as a global meta-analysis, the presentation demonstrates that diversified farming can enhance biodiversity, crop yields, food security and ecosystem services, such as pollination and biological pest control. Key strategies include mixed cropping, organic-conventional hybrids and landscape-level habitat management. The findings show that applying multiple diversification practices together yields the greatest environmental and social benefits. However, achieving transformative change will require integrated policies that support these approaches on a large scale.
As usual, we will also broadcast via zoom for those who can not join in person: https://zoom.us/j/94510498226