akkerranden

Akkerranden, or field margins, are narrow strips along the borders of arable fields that are not or only partially cultivated. They are typically planted or allowed to naturalize, with vegetation ranging from grasses and herbs to hedgerows, and they may run beside ditches, watercourses, or road edges. The concept emphasizes low-intensity land use rather than bare soil.

Akkerranden are designed to reduce soil erosion by slow runoff, improve nutrient retention, and protect water quality by acting as buffers for fertilizer and pesticide drift. They provide habitat and movement corridors for plants, insects, birds and small mammals, thereby supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services that can benefit farm sustainability.

Management and variation: Practices vary by region, policy, and farm. Randen may be left unmown or lightly grazed, or seeded with native wildflowers or grasses. They can include hedgerows and filter strips. Management often aims to balance biodiversity with agricultural production, including maintenance of structure, control of invasive species, and minimizing chemical inputs within the margins.

Policy and use: In the Netherlands and other European countries, akkerranden are promoted through agri-environment schemes and biodiversity targets within the Common Agricultural Policy. Eligible margins may receive subsidies or guidance to maintain or restore native vegetation and connectivity. The design and effectiveness of akkerranden depend on width, vegetation choice, and consistent management.