Landscape preference study of agricultural landscapes in Germany

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a landscape preference study using photographs of agricultural landscapes from Germany as stimuli. At present, agricultural landscapes are subject to innovations in agricultural management as well as climate change. Hence, large-scale changes of landscapes with regard to their structure, appearance or diversity are likely in the future. A survey was carried out among inhabitants of different parts of Germany, with questions regarding demographic factors (e.g. sex, age, school and professional qualification, importance of nature and environment, frequency of outdoor trips) as well as different scenic qualities such as variety, uniqueness and beauty of landscape. The study explores various factors to account for variability in preference judgements for particular agricultural landscape scenes, including mainly different types of meadows, pastures and arable land. Variance is examined and discussed in relation to the level of preference/scenic quality, in relation to possible group differences, and in relation to phytosociological typology. Finally, potential topics for further research are discussed.