Strip cropping and biodiversity (STRIPES)

The Austrian Pannonian region is a major cropping area facing climate, soil, and biodiversity pressures. There is a need for cropping system transformation to develop more resilient cropping systems that can stand climatic shocks, increase the delivery of ecosystem services (ESS) and support biodiversity. Crop and landscape diversification via strip cropping and the use of perennials can be potential adaptation strategy; however, a gap remains on landscape diversification performance under Pannonian conditions. Therefore, the overarching research question of this project is: How can landscape diversification under Pannonian conditions contribute to the development of climate-neutral and climate-resilient agricultural landscapes, particularly for microclimate regulation and ESS provision? The specific aims are to quantify the effects of landscape diversity on agroecosystem performance (yield and biomass or fiber production), microclimate buffering, and the support of biodiversity. A long-term, 20‑ha experiment, with three replications was stablished in the Marchfeld region in Northeast Austria with three treatments: sole crops, strip cropping + non‑woody perennials, strip cropping + woody perennials. The strips follow an 8‑year cereal–legume rotation. Multidisciplinary data will be collected using sensors and ground‑truthing. Outcomes will guide multifunctional, resilient cropping system design that enhances ESS, supports biodiversity, and sustains future productive landscapes in a climate-neutral Austria.

Kontakt: Dr. Ixchel Manuela Hernandez Ochoa