Summary
This systematic review of 696 peer-reviewed studies (from 70,456 screened papers since 1980) finds that both conversion of permanent grasslands to cropland and intensification of management reduce multifunctionality. The study demonstrates that lower management intensity supports biodiversity, climate regulation and water purification, whilst increased botanical diversity enhances multifunctionality without trade-offs in production. The authors conclude that protection of Europe's permanent grasslands should be prioritised alongside support for low-intensity management to optimise multiple ecosystem services.
UK applicability
The UK's substantial permanent grassland area—particularly in upland and marginal regions—is directly relevant to these findings. UK policy on agricultural subsidies and environmental stewardship could benefit from evidence that lower-intensity grassland management and prevention of conversion deliver multiple ecosystem services; however, the review identifies a gap in understanding the balance between ruminant production and climate mitigation.
Key measures
19 grassland ecosystem service indicators including biodiversity, climate regulation, water purification, animal feed quality, and production metrics
Outcomes reported
This systematic review examined 696 papers to assess how land use change and management intensity affect 19 grassland ecosystem service indicators across European permanent grasslands. The study measured multifunctionality outcomes including biodiversity, climate regulation, water purification, animal feed provision, and identified research gaps in comparisons between permanent and temporary grasslands.
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