Farmland provides biological diversity in the landscape, benefiting a number of wildlife species. Farmers can adapt agricultural practices to increase ecosystem stability in the face of environmental change, benefiting both wildlife and agricultural yield. Grassland habitats (such as hayfields) benefit a variety of wildlife species. especially grassland-nesting birds that require large tracts of grassland, typically 25 acres or larger, for food, cover and breeding. The loss of agriculture to other non-grassland habitat uses reduces the amount of potential quality habitat available to grassland-dependent species. In addition, by providing adequate naturally vegetated buffers along streams associated with active farmlands, farmers can protect habitat and travel/migratory corridors for wildlife and while also protecting water quality.
