Policy makers and industry are increasingly recognising the need for an ecosystem approach to achieve the sustainable intensification of agriculture.  Agroecosystems need to be managed for multiple, often competing, human benefits (i.e. ecosystem services), namely: food production; the ecosystem functions that support food production (e.g. nutrient cycling, prevention of soil erosion and pollination); ecosystem attributes that underpin recreational benefits, enhance flood alleviation and provide cultural services.  A conceptual framework, developed to aid decisions about managing the multiple functions of agroecosystems is demonstrated.  The framework is tested using a case study of a typical arable catchment in the UK. Scenarios considered include balancing food security with pesticide availability, risk mitigation measures and biodiversity conservation, from field to the landscape scale.  This framework can aid sustainable intensification by comparing alternative management options based on best scientific knowledge, to enhance multiple benefits.

Ecosystem services framework for pesticide risk management

248th National Meeting (2014)

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