Strip cropping in practice - seminar 21 August

Insect biodiversity is under threat from intensive agricultural practices, such as large-scale monocultures and the use of (chemical) pesticides. One promising alternative is strip cropping — the practice of growing multiple crops side by side in adjacent, multi-row strips, which facilitates farm management. Strip cropping is a promising alternative to monocultures, that could enhance biodiversity, while reducing insect pest pressure.

– In this talk, I will take you through the key findings from our group’s research on strip cropping and other crop diversification strategies, based on four long-term, controlled field experiments across the Netherlands. But our story doesn’t stop in our experimental fields. In recent years, strip cropping has gained momentum among Dutch farmers — with over 120 strip-cropped fields established by 2023, says Dr Croijmans.

When theory meets practice

This increased uptake of strip cropping allowed the unique opportunity to assess the effect of strip cropping on weed and pest management, insect biodiversity and crop yield across a wide variety of strip cropping arrangements in real-life scenarios.

– In the second half of the presentation, I will share the latest insights from our nationwide farm network — revealing what happens when theory meets practice, and if and how strip cropping can aid sustainable agriculture, says Dr Croijmans.

The seminar is arranged by the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) on Thursday 21 August at 14:00 in Craafordsalen, Alnarp. You can also attend on Zoom, please contact Chloë Raderschall (e-mail below) for a digital link to the seminar.