Introduction to the challenge addressed

This good practice is related to the environmental sustainability thematic area of the BovINE project and falls under the topic “Methods to enhance biodiversity on beef cattle farms without the need of great investments”. The good practice was trialled and implemented on several German dairy and beef cattle farms. The good practice can be implemented on any farm type with farm land used for cereal production.

Description of Innovation

Insect walls are understood to be approx. 40 centimetre high walls of variable width (two to four metres, depending on the cultivating machine), which are sown with special grass mixtures (cocksfoot). They usually run in the longitudinal direction of the tillage and are intended to last for several growing seasons. Ideally, they are established between two adjacent crops or, in the case of particularly large fields, within a field. Under the right conditions, such structures contribute to the return, maintenance and promotion of biodiversity within a field without seriously restricting agricultural practices. Insect walls provide small-scale habitats and an ideal microclimate for many species of insects and spiders, enabling them to overwinter. As beneficial insects, they can migrate into the field in spring and serve as biological pest control. In addition, ground nesting birds and small game are provided with additional habitat, resting areas and, in many cases, a source of food. The structure of the embankments - with one side facing away from the wind and one facing towards it - can then develop particularly favourable microclimate zones that promote increased settlement of insects, but also provide year-round resting areas for birds and mammals. This increases the food supply for insectivorous bird species and those that depend on them to raise their offspring.

Impact on farm performance

Most farms which implemented beetle banks are participants of pilot projects. Since compensation areas for intensively farmed arable land will most likely become mandatory in the future in order to preserve biodiversity, the insect walls, or beetle banks offer a good opportunity to establish such areas at an early stage. Due to the short ways for beneficial insects those insects have a real chance to work as a natural pest control and thus protect plants without or with less biocides. the insect walls can be created when the field is cultivated for the next crop. There is a certain area of land without use for cereal production. it is important to clarify before installing the insect walls that the land may not be considered permanent grassland and may be turned over again.

Farmer comment (for Good Practices)

I think we need to change our mindset. It is really important to live WITH nature, not against it. These insect walls do no harm to our cereals, they are easy to build and have a huge impact on small animals. I really like it when I see all the insect crawling around and every now and the you see some birds or even a brown hare on the banks. I think it also makes your farm ready for future as more regulations will come to protect insects. This way we are already one step ahead.