Upland grassland agri-environment impacts on invertebrate biodiversity

The remotely-sensed Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data suggested agri-environment scheme semi-improved grasslands were the least variable in terms of productivity and subsequently the most stable grasslands studied.<br><br>Results suggest invertebrate web structure may benefit from agri-environment scheme management. Continued surveillance and monitoring is necessary to establish the impact of AESs and how agricultural management impacts invertebrate population trends.

Increasing the grassland sward diversity, by limiting dominance of perennial ryegrass is recommended to maximise benefits for multiple invertebrate groups and livestock production. Farming is likely to be challenged by ongoing global climate change and the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Perturbations to the upland grasslands such as flooding and drought will have consequences for production, biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.

As such, policy encouraging floristic diversity and minimising soil disturbance expanding the extent of semi-improved grasslands is needed to result in environmental outcomes for biodiversity.<br><br><br>