UK Study Highlights Benefits of Hedgerows

Scientists from the University of Leeds analyzed soil samples from nine farms in the United Kingdom to find out how carbon storage under hedgerows compared to that found in adjacent grass fields. They found that the soil under hedges had increased carbon storage by almost half, compared to managed grassland, regardless of soil type, rock formation, and climate. In addition, hedgerows connect vital habitats throughout farmland and provide refuge and food to plants, wildlife, and livestock. “In the past few years, we have witnessed how farmers are engaging with hedge planting. They can see the difference that hedges make to the biodiversity on their farms. They see more birds, bats, and pollinators, and they enjoy their flowers, wood, and shade. And now they can also know that they are playing their part in storing more carbon in the soil,” says study member Dr. Sofia Biffi.
Related ATTRA blog: Conservation Hedgerows for the Southwest