Summary
This systematic review of 696 peer-reviewed papers (from 70,456 screened) documents that both conversion of permanent grasslands to cropland and intensification of management practices reduce multifunctionality in European grasslands. The analysis reveals that lower-intensity management benefits biodiversity, climate regulation and water purification, whilst increasing botanical diversity enhances multifunctionality without significant production trade-offs. The authors identify critical research gaps around permanent versus temporary grassland comparisons and cultural ecosystem service provision.
UK applicability
These findings are directly applicable to UK policy and land management, as the United Kingdom contains significant areas of permanent grassland subject to similar intensification pressures and land use conversion threats. The evidence supports arguments for protection of UK semi-natural grasslands and transition towards lower-intensity grazing systems to optimise ecosystem service delivery.
Key measures
19 grassland ecosystem service indicators covering biodiversity, climate regulation, water purification, animal feed provision, cultural values, erosion and flood control
Outcomes reported
The study examined 19 grassland ecosystem service indicators across permanent grasslands in Europe using systematic literature review methodology. It assessed how land use change (particularly conversion to croplands) and management intensity affect the delivery of multiple ecosystem services simultaneously.
Topic tags
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