Water

Appropriate management of farming residues involves making use of the crops and animal products left over after harvest or slaughter. Strategies for managing these residues may include composting, burning, mulching or using them as animal feed. Proper management of these residues is important to ensure that the land is properly managed, soil fertility is maintained, and the environment is protected from pollution. e.g., seeding on residues.

Paludiculture is the productive land use of wet and rewetted peatlands that preserves the peat soil and thereby minimizes CO2 emissions and subsidence. Rewetting wetlands/peatlands, also known as paludiculture, is the practice of restoring and managing wetlands and peatlands in order to provide economic and ecological benefits. This involves rewetting peatlands that have been drained for agriculture, forestry, or other uses.

Nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous are essential for crop production. This is an agricultural practice in which farmers reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic fertilisers on their arable crops. This practice helps to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution, as it reduces the amount of artificial chemicals and pollutants that are released into the environment. It also has the potential to increase the sustainability of agriculture, as it reduces the cost of inputs and increases the profitability of farming.

Semi-natural habitats are integral to most agricultural areas and have the potential to support ecosystem services, especially biological control and pollination by supplying resources for the invertebrates providing these services and for soil conservation by preventing erosion and run-off.

This refers to an agricultural system in which trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are grown with grazed animals. This type of system is designed to maximize the biodiversity of an area, often by creating a synergistic relationship between the plants and animals that provide a variety of ecological services and resources. High-biodiversity silvopastoral systems aim to create a sustainable, productive, and diverse agricultural system for both humans and wildlife.

Planting landscape elements in farming refers to the practice of strategically planting vegetation and trees on or around agricultural land to provide a variety of benefits. These elements can include trees and shrubs that can help to provide windbreaks, shade, and provide natural habitat for wildlife. Additionally, planting landscape elements can help reduce soil erosion, help protect soil and water resources, and provide a more efficient use of land.

Reduced stocking density for livestock is a management practice that involves reducing the number of animals that are kept in a given area. This can help to prevent overgrazing and improve the health of the soil, vegetation, and animals. It can also help to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Leaving peripheral areas unmown on permanent grassland is a beneficial conservation practice that can help to protect wildlife and biodiversity in the area. This practice encourages plant diversity, as it allows grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and other vegetation to grow in the uncut peripheral areas. These plants provide food and shelter for animals and can also help to stabilize soil and reduce runoff. In addition, the uncut peripheral areas act as a visual buffer, helping to protect the area from human disturbances.

Rotational grazing is a type of agricultural technique in which fields are divided into smaller sections, and animals are rotated through the sections on a regular basis. This technique is used to maintain the quality of the soil and vegetation in the field and to reduce the risk of overgrazing. Rotational grazing can also be used to help manage the spread of diseases and parasites in the animal populations.

Agroforestry systems involve the intentional combination of agricultural activities and forestry practices in the same area. This type of land management is designed to increase the productivity of the land while sustaining natural resources and the environment. Agroforestry systems typically involve a mix of trees, shrubs, and crops that can provide a range of food, fuel, and other materials. Other benefits include soil conservation, improved water infiltration, and better pest control.