A reduction in the need for crop rotations 2. Increased herbicide use. The report notes that good crop rotations are important for maintaining a variety of wildlife species, since associated weeds and invertebrates may change depending on which crop is planted and how it is managed.
Fallow periods are also important for maintaining soil fertility.
If the need for crop rotations is reduced by the introduction of new or different crop management methods, then habitat diversity will decline, and species may be threatened. If a GM crop were introduced with resistance to a soil borne pathogen such as rhizomania,then the need for crop rotations would also be reduced. The table below lists species from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, produced by the Government,which have already declined as a result of reduced habitat diversity in the agricultural landscape. The table below lists those Biodiversity Action Plan species which have suffered declines because of use of herbicides, etc, in agriculture. Loss of insect rich feeding habitats Greater Horseshoe Bat During this century, declined significantly across north Europe Reduction in insect prey abundance, especially loss of old pasture, due to high intensity farming practice.