Enhanced farmland biodiversity by micro segregation

Abstract: The loss of farmland biodiversity continues and the discussion on “sharing or sparing” is still going on. We believe it is possible to combine crop production and biodiversity promotion in the same field by separating the two on a micro scale. Well-established techniques such as strip-tillage combined with high precision GPS make it possible to grow maize and wild plants in the same field with tolerable crop yield loss. We outline a production system that combines high yield and biodiversity benefits. To establish the system, key criteria such as adequate types of selected undersown species, cover crops, and partial weed control are crucial. First results proof the effect of micro-segregation on biodiversity.