Meadow birds on organic and conventional arable farms in the Netherlands: abundance and nest success

Intensification of agriculture is mentioned to be the key drive behind the decline of farmland birds on grassland and on arable land. This raises the question whether a less intensive system, such as organic, can stop or reverse these declines. The present study compares (1) the territory densities of meadow birds on organic and conventional arable farms, and (2) the nesting success of Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) on both farm types. The study was carried out in Oostelijk Flevoland and Noordoostpolder, two polders reclaimed during the 1950s and 1930s respectively. Both areas are homogenous, la... Mehr ...