The objective of this evidence map is to identify, collate, and describe the information that exists on the effects of vegetative strips in and around fields used for arable crop production on (1) biodiversity conservation outcomes, and (2) crop production outcomes. The primary question of this mapping exercise is: What evidence exists for the effects of vegetation strips in and around fields used for arable crop production on biodiversity conservation and/or crop production outcomes in temperate forested regions? Specifically, we address the following research questions: (1) what are the frequency and types of measured biodiversity and crop production outcomes?, (2) what types and characteristics of vegetative strips and/or their management (i.e., interventions) are evaluated?, (3) what are the key characteristics of the evidence base addressing the effects of vegetative strips in terms of geographical locations, type of arable crops, species or taxonomic groups, and study designs?

Using results from the mapping exercise, we will then ask: Can we assess quantitatively the effect of vegetation strips for any identified evidence cluster? And if so, what does the evidence suggest? Furthermore, when study designs and evidence base allow, we will quantitatively assess the potential trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and crop production outcomes with respect to vegetated strips.

Project Collaborators

Steven J. Cooke – Carleton University, Canada

Trina Rytwinski – Carleton University, Canada

Adrianne Hajdasz – Carleton University, Canada

Lisa Kelly – Carleton University, Canada

Greg Mitchell – Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada

Scott Wilson – Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada

David Lapen – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada

Harrison Mandel – Carleton University, Canada

Charlotte Turenne – Carleton University, Canada

Project status – Ongoing

We are still in the process of collecting literature for this project. If you have any relevant materials please get in touch with the CEIC contact below.

CEIC contact – Trina.Rywinski@carleton.ca