Biodiversity
We explore the complex relationship between livestock and nature (including biodiversity and ecosystem services), and design farming systems and incentives to transition towards more sustainable agroecosystems
Nature-inclusive farming, agroecology or agroforestry are alternative farming systems that can contribute to recover biodiversity in agroecosystems. We explore how these farming systems unfold in different contexts around the world; we assess their performance in terms of productivity, economic viability and/or contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem services; and design reward schemes and new business models that support more nature-positive futures.
Rooted in systems thinking, we perform inter- and transdisciplinary research, use mixed-methods approach (using both quantitative and qualitive methods), and do multiscale assessments at field, farm, supply chain, or landscape levels.
Research topics
- Agroecosystems
- Ecosystem Services
- Nature-inclusive agriculture
- Multifunctional agriculture
- Livelihoods, Resource management, Biodiversity finance
Our projects
Pathways for Ecological Agricultural Transformation (PEAT)
PhD project of Hilde van Dijk. Drained peat soils, occupying just 12% of Dutch agricultural land, contribute over half of agricultural soil greenhouse gas emissions.This study aims to develop a modelling approach to analyze and explore sustainable alternative farming systems for Dutch dairy farms on peat soil. This includes modelling and assessing scenarios on farm and regional level, incorporating the provision of ecosystem services
Revealing spatial differences in Chinese ruminant sector
PhD project by Yarui Zhang. The size of the Chinese ruminant sector has greatly increased over the past few years. This has led to intensification and specialization of ruminant farms. This PhD study aims to explore whether relocating ruminants in China truly offers a solution when accounting for region specific differences in feed availability and ecological ceilings, and what the maximum production potential for ruminants is considering these environmental constraints.
Rethinking Food Systems
The environmental impacts of livestock production, including major land use, negative contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss, remain major sustainability challenges. Current market structures prioritize productivity and hinder the provision of sustainable animal-based products, that can also provide public goods and ecosystem services. It is therefore necessary to re-evaluate food systems, define the role of agricultural stakeholders and consider disruptive (technological) market developments to acknowledge and valorize the multifunctionality of certain livestock production systems.
Is rice a sustainable alternative for agricultural land in the Netherlands?
In this pilot project we explore the potential of rice cultivation in the Netherlands. If pilot experiments are successful, we aim to expand experimentation and develop models to determine where and how rice cultivation could improve the ecosystem services (specifically greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity conservation) of agriculturally used peatlands.
Pathways for Ecological Agricultural Transformation (PEAT)
PhD project of Hilde van Dijk. Drained peat soils, occupying just 12% of Dutch agricultural land, contribute over half of agricultural soil greenhouse gas emissions.This study aims to develop a modelling approach to analyze and explore sustainable alternative farming systems for Dutch dairy farms on peat soil. This includes modelling and assessing scenarios on farm and regional level, incorporating the provision of ecosystem services
Revealing spatial differences in Chinese ruminant sector
PhD project by Yarui Zhang. The size of the Chinese ruminant sector has greatly increased over the past few years. This has led to intensification and specialization of ruminant farms. This PhD study aims to explore whether relocating ruminants in China truly offers a solution when accounting for region specific differences in feed availability and ecological ceilings, and what the maximum production potential for ruminants is considering these environmental constraints.
Rethinking Food Systems
The environmental impacts of livestock production, including major land use, negative contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss, remain major sustainability challenges. Current market structures prioritize productivity and hinder the provision of sustainable animal-based products, that can also provide public goods and ecosystem services. It is therefore necessary to re-evaluate food systems, define the role of agricultural stakeholders and consider disruptive (technological) market developments to acknowledge and valorize the multifunctionality of certain livestock production systems.
Is rice a sustainable alternative for agricultural land in the Netherlands?
In this pilot project we explore the potential of rice cultivation in the Netherlands. If pilot experiments are successful, we aim to expand experimentation and develop models to determine where and how rice cultivation could improve the ecosystem services (specifically greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity conservation) of agriculturally used peatlands.
Research themes
Governance and Livelihood
We research governance and livelihoods in sustainable food systems, exploring how policy incentives, certification schemes, and value chains shape transitions towards more just and sustainable livestock farming systems across diverse agricultural contexts
Environmental impacts
We study how livestock contributes to environmental issues, and how to mitigate their impact at various levels, including the farm, the value chain, the region, and the food systems level
Biodiversity
We explore the complex relationship between livestock and nature (including biodiversity and ecosystem services), and design farming systems and incentives to transition towards more sustainable agroecosystems
Animal welfare
We explore ways to improve the lives of all types of farmed animals. We place particular emphasis on assessing and improving animal welfare by using smart technology and behavioral and health indicators that reflect the emotional state of the animals
Contact persons
Animal Production Systems
Research of Animal Production Systems, led by Simon Oosting, focuses on unravelling the complexity of livestock systems.
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