New analysis by EcoStack, working with AgZero+ and Rothamsted Research, shows that yield losses extend up to 25 metres from field edges, affecting around 30.5% of a typical 9-hectare field.
The research found that environmental factors such as wetness and shading play a key role in these losses. In bean crops, greater yield reductions were seen on dry field edges where hedgerows increased shading, while wetter fields without hedgerows also showed notable losses.
Landscape diversity matters. Fields within more diverse landscapes experienced smaller yield losses at their edges, particularly near hedgerows that support beneficial insects such as bees and beetles.
The findings underline the importance of considering local landscape and environmental conditions when planning hedgerows, margins, or other field features to balance productivity and sustainability.
