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A study conducted over 50 years on insect populations in cereal crops, known as the Sussex Study, has revealed a significant decline due to the intensification of agriculture. Ground beetles and ladybirds have decreased by 80% and 78% respectively, while aphids, a crucial food source for invertebrates, have seen a 90% reduction. However, farmers participating in the study have implemented agri-environmental measures such as conservation headlands and reduced insecticide use, leading to early signs of stabilization in insect populations.

One farmer, Hugh Passmore from West Sussex, avoids using insecticides during the summer and autumn, opting for practices like undersowing barley with grass leys and creating beetle banks to support beneficial insect populations. These efforts have attracted sawflies, providing food for ground-nesting bird chicks. Similarly, studies suggest that dedicating 10% of farmland to habitat can benefit insect populations, with some farms surpassing this target and seeing an increase in beetle species compared to the 1970s.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has developed a field guide outlining agri-environment options to boost invertebrate populations, based on successful research at the Allerton Project in Leicestershire. Recommendations include planting nectar flower mixes, creating wildlife plots, and introducing shrubs to provide food and shelter for crop pest predators. Farmers are encouraged to implement these options to support wildlife while maintaining crop yields.

Another case study, Dominic Gardner from West Sussex, has adapted his farming system to reduce insecticide use by growing resistant varieties and monitoring pest numbers closely. By aligning planting timings with pest control strategies, he has effectively managed aphids and other pests without relying on excessive insecticides. This shift in approach has led to improved crop quality and reduced reliance on chemical treatments.

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