Vegetation in Danish field boundaries: A comparative study related to effects of agricultural practise

Summary

Enrichment of biological diversity is often assumed to reflect good ecosystem integrity. Thus this
variable has for some time been a key factor of management strategies and environmental programmes.
The aim of the study presented here was primarily to observe, whether organic farming increases the
biological diversity of field boundary vegetation when compared to conventional farming. Secondly,
the aim was to consider, if increasing duration of the organic farming period also increases diversity.
Finally, ecological interpretations of the data were given by comparing different agricultural practises
in terms of general vegetation community patterns.
The results documented that diversity of plant species was significantly higher within the organic field
boundaries. Furthermore, there was a tendency towards higher diversity of plant species in the field
boundaries that had been managed organically longest. Finally, analysis of community patterns
revealed that Ruderal plant species are indicators of intensive or conventional farming. Altogether this
study supports previous conclusions on low-intensive or organic farming as a method of enhancing the
integrity of nature within the agricultural landscape.