The study, conducted by ENDURE’s 'maize-based cropping systems' working group, not only addresses a large variety of agronomic issues related to IPM practices, but valuably correlates them with the social and economic aspects that hamper IPM implementation across Europe.
In the paper, researchers explain how expert-based surveys were conducted in four European regions to determine the main current maize-based cropping systems (MBCSs) and to propose innovative IPM-based systems.
The DEXiPM® (DEXi Pest Management) model for arable cropping systems was used to evaluate and compare the economic and environmental sustainability of these systems, with the social sustainability evaluated by adapting indicators of this model to the specificities of maize systems.
They report: “The assessments showed that all innovative rotated MBCSs proposed in the four regions can have a higher environmental sustainability than and maintain the same economic sustainability as current rotated systems. These cropping systems are thus acceptable for testing under “real” field conditions...All innovative systems had a positive impact on work safety but according to local expert opinion producers and consumers are not ready to implement them or to accept their higher-priced products, with the exception of consumers in the northern region.
“These results suggest the need for European and regional policies to encourage the adoption of innovative rotated MBCSs that have positive agronomic and environmental impact through IPM implementation. The major constraints that inhibit this adoption were predominantly relating to (1) the lack of access that farmers have to the practical knowledge needed to effectively manage these systems and (2) the insufficient consumer awareness and acceptance of product improvements associated with IPM. To overcome these constraints supportive policy environments, well-functioning knowledge management systems (including good farmer support networks) and effective marketing is required.”
Taken from: V.P. Vasileiadis, A.C. Moonen, M. Sattin, S. Otto, X. Pons, P. Kudsk, A. Veres, Z. Dorner, R. van der Weide, E. Marraccini, E. Pelzer, F. Angevin, J. Kiss. Sustainability of European maize-based cropping systems: Economic, environmental and social assessment of current and proposed innovative IPM-based systems. European Journal of Agronomy 48, 1-11.
See also: Vasileiadis V.P., Sattin M., Otto S., Veres A., Pálinkás Z., Ban R., Pons X., Kudsk P., van der Weide R., Czembor E., Moonen A.C. and Kiss J., 2011. Crop protection in European maize-based cropping systems: current practices and recommendations for innovative Integrated Pest Management. Agricultural Systems 104, 533-540. DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2011.04.002
The PURE project work on maize cropping systems may also be useful, click here to visit the relevant section of the PURE website.
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