Ecological and agricultural benefits of linear grassland features within arable systems.

Abstract

Perennial grassland in arable field boundaries has been lost on most farms as a result of herbicide and fertilizer misplacement. However, this grassland habitat can have considerable ecological and agricultural benefits. Perennial grass strips have been established as field edge and mid-field habitats on arable farmland at Loddington (Leicestershire). Our research shows that these habitats are used by a range of bird, mammal and invertebrate species, contribute to the suppression of crop pests, and minimise the presence of arable weeds in field boundaries.