Research

SAFFIE - research into research and practice.

Author	Ogilvy, S.E., Clarke, J.H., Wiltshire, J.J.J., Harris, D., Morris, A., Jones, N., Smith, B., Henderson, I., Westbury, D.B., Potts, S.G., Woodcock, B.A., & Pywell, R.F.
Citation	Ogilvy, S.E., Clarke, J.H., Wiltshire, J.J.J., Harris, D., Morris, A., Jones, N., Smith, B., Henderson, I., Westbury, D.B., Potts, S.G., Woodcock, B.A., & Pywell, R.F. (2006). SAFFIE - research into research and practice. In: HGCA RandD Conference. Arable Crop Protection in the Balance: Profit and the Environment. 14.1-14.12. Home Grown Cereals Authority, Kenilworth.

Abstract

SAFFIE is a five-year, joint industry, academic and government LINK project. The aim is to enhance biodiversity in and around winter wheat crops by integrating novel habitat management practices within the crop and field margins without compromising yields or profitability. The project has already produced results that are relevant to farmers entering the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme, and to Defra's policy objective to reverse the decline in farmland bird populations. The breeding success of skylarks in wheat crops with undrilled patches (skylark plots) was 49% greater than in control crops. Novel margin management has improved the biodiversity value of cereal field margins. Work on 26 commercial farms aims to provide an understanding of the ecological interactions between margins and crops, so that sound, practical and scientifically-based advice on the best options for biodiversity can be given (www.saffie.info).

Charity registered in England and Wales, 1112023, in Scotland SC038868

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