Biodiversity and agro-biodiversity assessments at different spatial scales in rice farming districts in Italy

Abstract

Reconciling biodiversity conservation with agroecosystems is a challenge for sustainable food systems. Organic rice production is increasing in Italy, promoting natural and agro-biodiversity. Rice fields can be considered wetland surrogates, crucial as biodiversity hotspots, and thus represent natural or semi-natural habitats within intensively farmed districts. The ecological role and value of rice fields increase when combined with agroecological farming practices. The aim of the current research was to assess the role of paddy fields in biodiversity promotion at different spatial scales in organic and conventional farming conditions, from surrounding environmental matrices to the sustainability of single farming practices. We developed a pool of scalable ecological indicators to assess wetlands-associated biodiversity according to the reference agro-system. Butterflies and dragonfly taxa were used as the main biodiversity and ecosystem services proxy. All low-impact rice farming practices on field banks such as improved soil cover and water level, reduced grass cutting and weeding, and increased botanical diversity prove to be effective for promoting biodiversity. We argue that insect monitoring can be integrated into rice farm appraisal to quantify crop and natural diversification levels. These data, correlated with biodiversity-friendly practices on a scalable field, farm, or district/landscape level, could become a useful tool to weigh the measured benefits of biodiversity-friendly rice management practices and related ecosystem services. Agro-ecological low-input rice farming practices can improve food system resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses caused by climate change, and enhance biodiversity and resilience at both farm and landscape scales.

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