Effectiveness of the GAEC cross compliance standard rational management of set aside (weed control through mowing) in assuring a minimum level of habitats maintenance

Abstract

The cross compliance standard Rational management of set aside (weeds control through mowing) regards sowable lands subject to the withdrawal from production (set-aside) or voluntarily withdrawn from the production. The aim of this standard is: i) to ensure a minimum level of maintenance of habitats; ii) to allow the maintenance of the productive potential and fertility of the soil; iii) to prevent the uncontrolled spread of weeds. Experimental data demonstrated that rational management of set aside according to GAEC standard 4.2 is very effective in increasing soil quality and stabilizing the edaphic animal community in terms of biodiversity. On the contrary minor improvement are made by the standard in the inland areas and high hills and mountain areas, where long crop rotations are adopted and soils are mainly used for long lasting natural or artificial meadow. The rule appears to be ineffective and even not suitable to prevent the spread of weeds, as the only one mowing or mulching1 of the natural vegetation, made mandatory by the standard, does not prevent the spreading of unwanted seeds to neighbouring cultivated fields. According to many authors, to leave a land uncultivated for a long period of time is not a good agricultural practice. © M. Raglione et al., 2011.