Importance of Vegetation Cover in Organic Systems

The condition of the microclimate within agricultural fields, crops, livestock and soils is influenced by the landscape of the ecosystem. A farming landscape is characterized by vegetation covers such as crops, grasslands, hedgerows and woodlands, which are important for food production and wildlife habitat. The aim of this review was to explore existing research on quantifying the effects of vegetation cover in landscapes, explore the relationship between vegetation cover and soil factors, highlight areas for future research, and identify novel strategies for deployment in a changing climate. Research on a wide range of topics related to vegetation cover, including its impact on crop and livestock productivity, water-use efficiency, soil health and overall agricultural sustainability, was reviewed. Findings showed that seasonal changes, vegetation type and climate conditions influence agricultural systems. A comprehensive understanding of biomass covers and soil factor interactions can support sustainable farming practices and environmental management, but these relationships will require adequate systematic measures of quantification to guide informed land management decision making. Developments in farm measurement techniques and application of rapid sensors and remote-sensing technology to understand the effects of different vegetation covers on agricultural farmland and their interactions with soil is therefore important to guide land and habitat management practices for sustainable food production.