Europe’s farmland birds have declined to nearly half in past 25 years as a direct consequence of the intensive farming practices, a study has revealed.
The populations of 33 species of common farmland birds across the continent have declined by an average of 44 percent. This is the most severe decline of the monitored bird species.
The information collected from 20 national breeding bird surveys across Europe over the last 25 years confirms the damage suffered by the farmland birds.
The Telegraph has quoted Dr Richard Gregory, Chairman of the European Bird Census Council, saying:
Birds can be vital barometers of environmental change – their declines are clear proof of the environmental degradation that has occurred across European farmland.
Many farmland birds and their habitats are under serious threat, he said.
The organisations involved in the study are calling for a reform of the agricultural policies in the EU countries. Agriculture in the EU countries is highly subsidised which has resulted into widespread intensive farming. Many agricultural practices are not environment-friendly and damage the ecosystem.
Being directly under human activities, farmlands are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Modern farming practices have replaced tested traditional practices that had sustained centuries of farming. High yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops have played a major role in damaging farmland ecosystems.
HYVs require heavy use of fertilisers to meet high nutrient demands of the crop. These varieties are also prone to diseases and pest attacks and thus need pesticides and other chemicals for protection. In many developing countries, HYVs replaced the local varieties which were more suitable for the region. Many a times, HYVs were forcely introduced in farmlands which were entirely unable to handle the crop. Since the land was not able to meet the heavy nutrient requirements of the crop, it had to be heavily supplemented by fertilisers which further harmed the soil fertility. This has happened in India too.
The introduction of HYVs replacing more suitable traditional varieties is now being seen as a mistake. Reckless promotion of HYVs, fertilisers and pesticides has had its toll on the soil fertility.
After substantial damage, people are becoming more aware of the damages. Both farmers and agriculture scientists are now trying to switch towards more sustainable farming practices. Eco-farming or bio-farming, witout using fertilisers and other chemicals, is one concept that tries to undo the damage along with providing cereals and crops that are not contaminated with harmful chemicals. Hope the damage can be undone.
Source: Telegraph
Image Source: Telegraph