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Agricultural Biodiversity

The agricultural landscape forms the foundation of world food production. Agriculture dominates many landscapes, including Denmark where more than 60% is cultivated. This intensive exploitation of the natural resources that the landscape offers has caused a deterioration of biodiversity, both directly through the transformation of nature into fields and indirectly, through the fragmentation of natural habitats. The populations of many animal and plant species are declining and threatened because they have difficulties keeping a foothold in a landscape, where suitable habitats are scattered, and where intensively cultivated areas create barriers for their movement. We perceive biodiversity of essential value in itself, as well as a provider of valuable ecosystem services for agriculture and society.

Through transdisciplinary research, innovation, and education we focus on enhancing the resilience of agro-ecosystems. Through collaborative efforts, working with practitioners to policy makers, we aim to develop and implement evidence-based strategies that supprt sustainable agricultural practices, protect ecosystems, and benefit local communities, farmers, and global food systems.

Through basic and applied research, we advance our knowledge on

  • the living conditions for flora and fauna in agricultural landscapes
  • multifunctional land use practices
  • restoration of habitats for pollinators and other ecosystem service providers
  • methods for monitoring and assessment of agricultural biodiversity
  • integrated management of insect pests, including chemical and biological control
  • ecosystem services provided by pollinators and natural enemies of pests
  • honeybee health

We conduct

  • experimental and observational research in the laboratory, semi-field and field
  • advanced numerical analysis by simulation models from greenhouse to dynamic landscape scale
  • public and private consultancies concerning insects, including honeybees and invasive species
  • insecticide and biocide efficacy evaluation and environmental risk assessment
  • research on the social acceptance and uptake of agricultural biodiversity strategies, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and co-development
  • outreach and public communication about the use and value of agricultural biodiversity

Research areas