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Landscape features support natural pest control and farm income when pesticide application is reduced
oleh: Ana Klinnert, Ana Luisa Barbosa, Rui Catarino, Thomas Fellmann, Edoardo Baldoni, Caetano Beber, Jordan Hristov, Maria Luisa Paracchini, Carlo Rega, Franz Weiss, Peter Witzke, Emilio Rodriguez-Cerezo
| Format: | Article |
|---|---|
| Diterbitkan: | Nature Portfolio 2024-06-01 |
Deskripsi
Abstract Future trajectories of agricultural productivity need to incorporate environmental targets, including the reduction of pesticides use. Landscape features supporting natural pest control (LF-NPC) offer a nature-based solution that can serve as a partial substitute for synthetic pesticides, thereby supporting future productivity levels. Here, we introduce a novel approach to quantify the contribution of LF-NPC to agricultural yields and its associated economic value to crop production in a broad-scale context. Using the European Union as case study, we combine granular farm-level data, a spatially explicit map of LF-NPC potential, and a regional agro-economic supply and market model. The results reveal that farms located in areas characterized by higher LF-NPC potential experience lower productivity losses in a context of reduced synthetic pesticides use. Our analysis suggests that LF-NPC reduces yield gaps on average by four percentage points, and increases income by a similar magnitude. These results highlight the significance of LF-NPC for agricultural production and income, and provide a valuable reference point for farmers and policymakers aiming to successfully invest in landscape features to achieve pesticides reduction targets.