Semi-natural habitats support biological control, pollination and soil conservation in Europe. A review

Abstract

Semi-natural habitats are integral to most agricultural areas and have the potential to support ecosystem services, especially biological control and pollination by supplying resources for the invertebrates providing these services and for soil conservation by preventing erosion and runoff. Some habitats are supported through agri-environment scheme funding in the European Union, but their value for ecosystem service delivery has been questioned. An improved understanding of previous research approaches and outcomes will contribute to the development of more sustainable farming systems, improve experimental designs and highlight knowledge gaps especially for funders and researchers. Here we compiled a systematic map to allow for the first time a review of the quantity of evidence collected in Europe that semi-natural habitats support biological control, pollination and soil conservation. A literature search selected 2252 publications, and, following review, 270 met the inclusion criteria and were entered into the database. Most publications were of pest control (143 publications) with less on pollination (78 publications) or soil-related aspects (31). For pest control and pollination, most publications reported a positive effect of semi-natural habitats. There were weaknesses in the evidence base though because of bias in study location and the crops, whilst metrics (e.g. yield) valued by end users were seldom measured. Hedgerows, woodland and grassland were the most heavily investigated semi-natural habitats, and the wider landscape composition was often considered. Study designs varied considerably yet only 24% included controls or involved manipulation of semi-natural habitats. Service providers were commonly measured and used as a surrogate for ecosystem service delivery. Key messages for policymakers and funders are that they should encourage research that includes more metrics required by end users, be prepared to fund longer-term studies (61% were of only 1-year duration) and investigate the role of soils within semi-natural habitats in delivering ecosystem services.

Predation‐mediated ecosystem services and disservices in agricultural landscapes

“…, Holland et al. ). A lack of complementary resources offered by seminatural habitats often results in reduced predator diversity in simplified landscapes (Trichard et al.…”

Effects of land use on infestation and parasitism rates of cabbage seed weevil in oilseed rape

“…Sustainable approaches are needed to manage agricultural landscapes in a way that enhances regulating ecosystem services such as pest control by natural enemies. Natural enemies and other beneficial insects such as pollinators often utilize semi‐natural habitats (SNHs) in agricultural landscapes for foraging or shelter . There is substantial variation in the literature on the contribution that different SNHs within agricultural landscapes make towards supporting pest control services and these contributions are context‐dependent .…”

“…There is substantial variation in the literature on the contribution that different SNHs within agricultural landscapes make towards supporting pest control services and these contributions are context‐dependent . Furthermore, the majority of studies on the subject are from a limited number of Western European countries . Thus, to clarify and expand our current understanding of the role of different semi‐natural and crop habitats in ecosystem service provisioning across Europe, more research is needed, especially in areas that are poorly represented in the literature (e.g.…”

Interacting effects of landscape and management on plant–solitary bee networks in olive orchards

“…Although considering only one compositional aspect of landscape complexity might represent an oversimplification, SNH is one of the most straightforward indicators of habitat change and agricultural intensification. It has repeatedly been shown to have an impact on pollinator communities (Holland et al, ) and is widely used in studies of pollinators in landscape ecology (Cole, Brocklehurst, Robertson, Harrison, & McCracken, ). As well, it has been noted as decisive in the characterization of gradients of complexity in the region's olive grove landscapes (Rey et al, ).…”