What works in conservation? Using expert assessment of summarised evidence to identify practices that enhance natural pest control in agriculture

摘要: This paper documents an exercise to synthesize and assess the best available scientific knowledge on effectiveness of different farm practices at enhancing natural pest regulation in agriculture. It demonstrates a novel combination three approaches evidence synthesis—systematic literature search, collated synopsis assessment using expert panel. These follow logical sequence moving from large volume disparate simple, easily understandable answer for use policy or practice. The example agriculture was selected as case study within two independent science-policy interface projects, one European British. A third funder, private business, supported final stage translate synthesized findings into useful, simplified output agronomists. As whole, showcases how network holders users can work together improve science process identified five with good benefit regulation, most beneficial being ‘Combine trap repellent crops push–pull system’. highlights gaps, potential research priorities, by showing considered important stakeholders which there is not enough make effects including ‘Alter timing pesticide application.’ Finally, identifies several where too (>300 experimental studies) be summarised resources available, focused systematic reviews may approach. very well studied include ‘Reduce tillage’ ‘Plant more than crop per field’.