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Arable plant species as ecological goods – development of a simple method to identify arable fields that are rich in arable plant species

Summary
The complete article is written in German
Plant species diversity has frequently been discussed as an indicator for ecologically sound management methods. Whereas efficient tools for monitoring species diversity already exist in grassland (especially meadows) on which even monetary rewarding systems are based (e.g. Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg, Germany), there is an obvious lack of feasible monitoring and rewarding tools for species diversity in arable land. In the scope of a research project on “simple” indicators for assessing biotic resources on the farm level, a simple method has been developed to assess arable plant species diversity in arable fields. The focus was laid on the feasibility of the method, i.e. the farmers themselves should be able to use the tool. The development of the method and its application are presented. The classification of being rich in plant species is based upon the presence of so called target arable plant species. The chosen method is a “transect-inspection” which consists of three 25 m-sections in the middle of the field. In each 25 m-sample at least 4 target species have to be recorded to characterize the total field as “rich in plant species”. The core set of target species consists of 20 arable plant species that are easily recognized. In 2001 and 2002 „experts“ as well as farmers have tested the method on 42 farms throughout Germany. In 2003 another 39 grain fields have been investigated by using different methods in order to select the best method to deliver accurate and controllable results on species diversity. It is suggested to adjust the core set of target species to different regions and to train the farmers in using the method. The tool that is to be used by the farmers themselves is also regarded as a valuable instrument to promote farmers’ sensibility on the biodiversity in arable fields.

german version

Keywords/Stichworte:Arable plant species; arable fields; ecological goods; floristic diversity; Methodology; species-rich

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Autor:D. BRABAND, Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V., Biologische Station, Teichstr. 19, D-59494 Soest, E-Mail: d.braband@gmx.de;
T. VAN ELSEN, Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (FiBL Deutschland e.V.), Nordbahnhofstraße 1a, D-37213 Witzenhausen, E-Mail: thomas.vanelsen@fibl.org

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