Biodiversity in organic and low-input farming systems. Handbook for recording key indicators

Abstract

This Handbook describes the methods required to measure the direct and indirect indicators of biodiversity in the field or through farmer interviews on organic, low-input and conventional (control) farms during 2010. It is the result of editing and revision of the BIOBIO deliverable D2.2. A total of twelve Case Study regions were selected in eleven countries. A standard habitat mapping procedure for the European scale based on General Habitat Categories (GHCs) was applied. This method has been adapted further to deal with the assessment of organic/low-input farm holdings. An initial classification of farmed and non-farmed land has been used to direct the selection of the samples. After mapping the farm area, in each habitat type selected for flora and fauna surveys, all species indicators were sampled for vegetation, earthworms, bees and spiders. Farm practices and genetic diversity were measured through interviews with the farmer. A digitising protocol was provided to prepare all data for analysis. The practicality and suitability of these methods for sampling plants and selected animals on very different farm types and habitats was evaluated. Lessons learned are described shortly after each chapter indicating difficulties encountered during the field work and giving practical suggestions. Further reports will be available in due course presenting the implication of analyses and results. The cost efficiency of the methodology was measured through reports on input of staff time and material