Sustainable agriculture: The wildlife connection

Abstract

AbstractWildlife and fish have much to gain from the movement toward alternative, sustainable agricultural practices. Interrelated reasons for the habitat improvements to be expected from a change to sustainable systems include reduced use of agricultural chemicals, better care of the soil, and reintroduction of greater landscape diversity. The most well-documented benefits would result from reduced use of agrichemicals, which often are toxic and frequently change the structure and composition of available food and cover. The wildlife benefits of erosion prevention and landscape diversification are less well-documented but may be as significant for habitat improvement. The opportunities to enhance habitat using sustainable farming methods are beginning to receive increased attention from wildlife professionals. As a result, efforts are under way to expand use of sustainable methods on farmlands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.