Diversification of cropping systems is a major way towards sustainable agriculture. Scientists Martin et al. recently reviewed the impacts of integrating ley pastures in cropping systems. Such pastures provide farmers with a wide range of services, including soil conservation, nutrient provision and recycling, soil water retention, and biological control of pests and weeds. Lay pastures contribute also other services to the society, such as water purification, climate regulation, habitat provision for conserving associated biodiversity, and forage production.
