The effects of organic agriculture on biodiversity and abundance: a meta‐analysis

Summary The efficiency of agricultural subsidy programmes for preserving biodiversity and improving the environment has been questioned in recent years. Organic farming operates without pesticides, herbicides and inorganic fertilizers, and usually with a more diverse crop rotation. It has been suggested that this system enhances biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. We analysed the effects of organic farming on species richness and abundance using meta‐analysis of literature published before December 2002. Organic farming usually increases species richness, having on average 30% higher species richness than conventional farming systems. However, the results were variable among studies, and 16% of them…

• SF
  Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas
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  Vetenskapsrådet
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  Ekhagastiftelsen