Bats struggle during organic farming transition - University of Exeter
Bat activity falls as farms make the transition to organic agriculture, new research shows.
Organic farming is better for biodiversity than conventional farming, which relies heavily on substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers.
However, little is known about how wildlife is affected by the transition period when a farm goes organic.
The new study, led by the universities of Bristol, Göttingen and Exeter, assessed the effects of organic farming by monitoring insect-eating bats at citrus orchards in Cyprus.
Activity of three of the four species included in the study was significantly lower at farms in the transition period, compared to conventional farms.
However, activity increased on established organic farms – suggesting a “time-lag” before the organic biodiversity boost for the most abundant bat species.
“We were surprised by our results – we expected the transition to organic farming to bring positive effects from the start,” said Penelope Fialas, from the University of Exeter.
“We can’t be certain why bats are negatively affected, but previous research suggests soil can suffer – with knock-on effects for other wildlife – when fertilisers, pesticides and other aspects of conventional farming stop. The soil and the wider ecosystem may take time to recover.”
Fialas added: “Our findings suggest the transition to organic farming should be managed carefully, to limit any negative effects on biodiversity. For example, neighbouring farms could avoid simultaneous transitions, allowing wildlife to find alternative habitats nearby while each farm switches its methods.”
The study examined 22 matched pairs of citrus orchards, comparing bat activity at certified organic farms with conventional farms, and organic-transition farms with conventional farms.
More on:
Posted On: 21/07/2023