RJB (Rik) Waenink MSc

The value of strip cropping for farmland birds

Most farmland birds in The Netherlands are in decline. Increasing crop diversity in the landscape through strip cropping may help these bird species. In this strip cropping, different crops are grown at short distance from each other, so that they all fall within the reach of a farmland bird. What does this cultivation method mean for farmland birds? I am trying to find an answer to that question in my PhD research.

For example, the skylark (NL: veldleeuwerik) in the top photo has a nest in the crop in the foreground, but is within a few wingbeats in other crops to collect insects for its young. Do these skylarks indeed fly shorter distances to collect food? And does strip cropping ensure a higher and more diverse insect availability? Does this eventually make it easier for a strip-breeding bird to raise its young? These are all exciting questions that are addressed in the research. Not only for skylark, but also for other farmland birds such as the yellow wagtail.

Another research example is the availability of mice for mouse-eating birds of prey, including this hunting hen harrier (NL: blauwe kiekendief). Or the sensitivity to predation, such as for young lapwings (photos below, NL: kievit) that forage in the open strips, but can quickly run into the adjacent higher strips as soon as a predator is sighted.

The research results ultimately provide guidelines for farmers and policymakers and contribute to the transition to nature-inclusive arable farming. This research is a close collaboration between Wageningen University and the University of Groningen, and is part of the multidisciplinary research program on crop diversity 'CropMix', financed through the National Science Agenda.

I am happy to answer questions about strip cropping and biodiversity (rik.waenink@wur.nl). Are you a student looking for a thesis? Feel free to send a message; there is always something exciting to do.

Photos: Thijs Glastra