An inventory of farming practices and their impacts on the environment and climate

1. Organic farming 
2. Agroforestry 
3. Fertilisation strategies 
   
   • Organic fertilisation 
   • Green manure 
   • Enhanced efficiency fertilisers 
   • Nitrification inhibitors 
   • Low ammonia emission techniques 
4. Soil amendment 
   • Soil amendment with biochar 
   • Soil amendment with lime and gypsum 
5. Pesticide reduction strategies 
6. Landscape features 
7. Fallowing 
8. Manure management techniques 
   • Improved manure land application techniques 
   • Improved manure storage techniques 
   • Manure processing techniques 
9. Livestock housing techniques 
10. Livestock dietary manipulation techniques 

A systematic review attempts to collate all the empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. It uses explicit, systematic methods that are selected to minimise bias, thus providing more reliable findings from which conclusions can be drawn and decisions made.

Is the statistical analysis of the data from multiple, independent primary studies focused on the same question, which aims to generate a quantitative estimate of the studied phenomenon, for example, the effectiveness of a farming practice.

The general fiche provides the highest level of synthesis of the research papers included in the systematic review. The synthesis research papers include several individual papers that broadly range between 10 and 300. Therefore, the assessment of impacts relies on a considerable number of results obtained mainly in field experiments carried out in situations close to a natural farming environment and from lab experiments or model simulations.

The impact fiche summarises the impact of a farm practice on a specific environment or climate change issue (e.g. biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions). It contains references to synthesis papers, main conclusions and assesses evidence robustness. It also assesses the papers’ quality, impacts and highlighted knowledge gaps. It also contains information about the systematic review strategy, i.e., what keywords were used, in which databases the search was performed, the selection criteria, and others.

Each summary report provides a quick and comprehensive summary of the systematic review or the meta-analysis on which the corresponding impact fiche was based.

For Specific Objective 4, ‘Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable energy’, the specific issues include ‘Greenhouse gas emissions’, ‘Carbon sequestration/storage’, ‘Climate change adaptation’, and ‘Energy use’. 

For Specific Objective 5, ‘Foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water, soil and air’, the specific issues include ‘Air quality’, ‘Water quality’, ‘Water quantity and availability’, ‘Soil quality and fertility’, and ‘Soil erosion’.  

For Specific Objective 6, ‘Contribute to the protection of biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes’, the specific issues include ‘Biodiversity’, ‘Pollination’, and ‘Landscape quality’.  

For Specific Objective 9, ‘Improve the response of EU agriculture to societal demands on food and health, including safe, nutritious and sustainable food, and animal welfare’, the specific issue is ‘Pest and disease control’.