Numero del progetto: 26.33.19.08.02_ARTHROQUANT
ARTHROQUANT: modelli per quantificare le funzioni biologiche degli artropodi nei paesaggi agricoli
Understanding how pests and beneficial insects interact in farming landscapes is key to sustainable agriculture. Measures to boost biodiversity and pesticide use both influence these organisms and the services they provide, like pollination and pest control. However, farmers and policymakers often lack clear guidance on how much biodiversity is needed, where it should be placed, and how pesticide use nearby might affect helpful species. This project aims to build easy-to-use models that simulate these interactions, tailored to Swiss agriculture. In the 2026–2029 Agroscope activity program, we will lay the groundwork by reviewing existing models, organizing an expert workshop, and preparing a proposal for further funding. We aim at starting with simple models using one herbivore/ natural enemy relationship or one pollinator species in a specific landscape and farm management context. Later, we plan to expand these models into a digital platform that helps Swiss farmers make informed decisions about landscape design and pest management.
