Principle Considerations for Arable Field Margin Establishment and Management.

Edwards, P, Westbury, Duncan B, Sutton, P and Marshall, E J P (2007) Principle Considerations for Arable Field Margin Establishment and Management. Aspects of Applied Biology : Delivering Arable Biodiversity, 81. pp. 199-205.

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Abstract

Significant efforts have been made to promote biodiversity on farmland in the UK by many stakeholders. Despite these efforts, the decline in farmland biodiversity is only likely to be reversed following the widespread uptake of environmental stewardship options. Field margins are an important stewardship option, and although they cannot deliver all biodiversity targets, they are probably the single best management option for arable land. Margins can support a diverse range of communities and act as corridors in the landscape, as well as providing resources for more wide-ranging wildlife. The value and diversity of field margins depend on their location in the landscape, soil type, topography and management. So while margins need to be created where such habitats are absent, the overall amount required to deliver biodiversity targets is unknown. Species rich field margins may provide habitat and resources for more bio diverse communities, but these margins have to be managed appropriately, by lowering fertility and encouraging heterogeneity, to maximise the benefits. Through an understanding of local biodiversity action plans, ecological principles and site characteristics, arable farmers may be encouraged to meet wider biodiversity, environmental and social targets.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	arable biodiversity, arable field margins
Divisions:	Land and Property Management
Depositing User:	Professor Duncan Westbury
Date Deposited:	02 May 2024 16:39
Last Modified:	06 Mar 2026 14:46
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16647

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