Impact of land-use change on grassland ecosystem services

This study assesses how land-use change and management practices affect ecosystem services in European permanent grasslands. It evaluates 19 service indicators, identifying synergies and trade-offs. Converting grasslands to cropland or intensifying management reduces multi-functionality, while reduced intensity benefits biodiversity, climate regulation, and water purification. Enhancing sward diversity through species-rich seed mixes improves multi-functionality without negative impacts. Policy recommendations include stronger subsidies, better regulation oversight, and incentives for low-to-medium intensity management. Ecological restoration and context-specific strategies are essential for sustaining ecosystem services. The findings are based on a systematic review of the literature, with key insights from Schils et al. 2022 (Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 330: 107891).