Summary
This field-based study on French arable farms demonstrates that strategic reductions in pesticide use need not compromise crop productivity or economic viability. The research identifies management practices and cropping system adjustments that enable meaningful pesticide reductions whilst maintaining yield and profit margins, contributing evidence to the debate on sustainable intensification in arable agriculture.
Regional applicability
Findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom arable farming, particularly cereal and combinable crop systems operating under similar agro-climatic and regulatory contexts. The study's evidence on pesticide reduction feasibility aligns with UK policy objectives under the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Environmental Land Management schemes, though farm-specific adaptation would be necessary given variation in UK soil types, climate zones, and pest/disease pressure.
Key measures
Pesticide application rates (kg a.i. ha⁻¹), crop yield (tonnes ha⁻¹), farm profitability (€ ha⁻¹), farm management practices
Outcomes reported
The study examined whether arable farms could reduce pesticide inputs whilst maintaining or improving crop productivity and economic returns. Key performance indicators included pesticide usage levels, crop yield, and farm profitability across multiple seasons and farm types.
Topic tags
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