Combined effects of agrochemicals and ecosystem services on crop yield across Europe

authored by

V. Gagic, D. Kleijn, A. Báldi, G. Boros, H.B. Jørgensen, Z. Elek, M.P.D. Garratt, G.A. de Groot, K. Hedlund, A. Kovács-Hostyánszki, L. Marini, E. Martin, I. Pevere, S.G. Potts, S. Redlich, D. Senapathi, I. Steffan-Dewenter, S. Świtek, H.G. Smith, V. Takács, P. Tryjanowski, W.H. van der Putten, S. van Gils, R. Bommarco

Abstract

Simultaneously enhancing ecosystem services provided by biodiversity below and above ground is recommended to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers in agriculture. However, consequences for crop yield have been poorly evaluated. Above ground, increased landscape complexity is assumed to enhance biological pest control, whereas below ground, soil organic carbon is a proxy for several yield-supporting services. In a field experiment replicated in 114 fields across Europe, we found that fertilisation had the strongest positive effect on yield, but hindered simultaneous harnessing of below- and above-ground ecosystem services. We furthermore show that enhancing natural enemies and pest control through increasing landscape complexity can prove disappointing in fields with low soil services or in intensively cropped regions. Thus, understanding ecological interdependences between land use, ecosystem services and yield is necessary to promote more environmentally friendly farming by identifying situations where ecosystem services are maximised and agrochemical inputs can be reduced.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Geobotany

Type

Article

Journal

Ecology letters

Volume

20

Pages

1427-1436

No. of pages

10

ISSN

1461-023X

Publication date

11.2017

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 15 - Life on Land

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12850 (Access: Closed)