5 Agri-Environmental Strategies that Prevent Species Loss

Species loss is a huge concern in larger agricultural models. Hard annual tilling and the use of what was once habitat to grow food lessen the likelihood of survival. But there are multiple agri-environmental strategies farmers can employ to ensure their farms work with the natural world. 

Some of these strategies are easy to implement, while others take time and staging. Regardless of the required time, it’s worth it. If we don’t have habitat for pollinators and the animal allies that help us control pests, we have to spend more to keep things running anyway. 

Farming is as much for humans as it is a constant reminder of the laws of the natural world. The more farmers can see their land as part of a larger system, the more the farm is woven seamlessly into it. And the more agriculture can move along the path of least resistance. 

Prairie Strips

Farms with soil that has a high nutrient content are more productive. Adding prairie strips is a low-lift way to boost yields, add soil nutrients, and attract helpful pest predators. These strips of prairie planted alongside crops offer even more to the surrounding ecosystem. They are especially beneficial in areas where prairie is a natural regional feature.

All it takes is 10 to 25% of your land to make a big impact. The flowers attract pollinators that boost yields. The blooms and the plants they grow on host and feed beneficial insects that keep agricultural pest numbers down. The same can be said for predatory birds and mammals. 

That alone should be enough to prove that prairie strips are beneficial to biodiversity. But add to that the increased soil health, which directly correlates to higher densities of micro-organisms within the soil structure. The biodiversity above and below ground is bolstered.   

Low Tilling

If you live in an area with heavy clay, it may be impossible to forego tilling altogether. But keeping the tillage low from year to year will improve the soil structure and increase biodiversity. These factors lead to better support for multiple species of animals and other organisms, as well as your own crops.  

Instead of tilling recently-tilled areas, plant cover crops instead. Some of these till the soil for you, removing the need for heavy equipment that limits the livelihood of a healthy soil microbiome. They also increase the diversity of insect populations on your land. 

Regenerative Grazing

One of the most detrimental aspects of ranching involves planting non-native forage. While there are several grasses that feed livestock all year and proliferate easily, they tend to take over natural areas, limiting the spread of native species and lowering biodiversity. 

Using a rotational model isn’t a new concept for most ranchers. But add to that seeding of native plants, and use of fire and mowing (where appropriate) to manage and remove invasive species will increase the availability of forage that won’t get out of control. 

In areas where prairie is the predominant ecosystem of the region, look for native grasses and forbs that are safe for your livestock. In areas where forests are predominant, silvopasture is a great option. This provides windbreaks and shade for livestock in weather extremes. It also provides habitat for local native species, especially when native trees are planted. 

Integrated Pest Management

While pesticides and herbicides are fast-acting solutions to keeping crops productive, they harm biodiversity, removing habitat for beneficial insect species. Instead of going straight for sprays, foster beneficial insects with diverse plantings and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that invite them in. 

Use cultural practices to make the farm less suitable for the most common pests for your crops. Delay plantings, control weeds, and rotate crops to keep them at bay. In areas where pests are common early in the season, use barriers to keep crops healthy. 

If you use chemical means to control pests, opt for OMRI-certified ones first before going for a systemic chemical. Use chemicals as the last line of defense against pestilence, and you’ll have a much happier farm more in line with the natural world around it. 

Establish Conservation Easements

Farmers with lots of land can coordinate with local conservation organizations to establish conservation easements. These are agreements between landowners and a land trust that limit the use scope of the land. Under these agreements, the land is protected for future generations.

Not only can these contracts provide more habitat for local species, they also offer landowners tax deductions. They ensure landowners and their families will be able to live on the land and enjoy it for years to come. 

Easements ensure that the natural resources on farmland are protected from development, as long as the landowner wants to use their land in this way. Leaving some of the farm wild and including a conservation easement is an effective method for maintaining species present on the farm. 

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