More nature on fields through strip cultivation

“Strips of up to 6 meters attract more crawling insects and spiders, and flying insects such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies. That combination works well for combating pest insects such as caterpillars and lice.”

Very few insects and birds can be found on large fields, partly because only one crop grows. Together with farmers, Wageningen researchers are conducting experiments with the cultivation of various crops in narrow strips. This attracts more pest control insects and slows the spread of disease. Yet the harvest is just as large as with monocultures and it is just as much work. Insects, birds and farmers thus benefit from more nature in the fields.