From Fields to Flora: Decoding Historical Land-Use Intensification and Its Impact on Danish Plant Biodiversity

Biodiversity degradation in intensive agricultural landscapes has been a pressing issue, as agricultural systems cover a significant portion of land and greatly influence habitats crucial for species diversity. Understanding the impact of historical agricultural land use on recent biodiversity is essential to uncovering legacy effects and developing strategies for ecological restoration and long-term sustainability. Plant diversity is critical for maintaining ecosystem functionality, enhancing resilience, and supporting sustainable agriculture. However, the extent to which agricultural intensification has impacted biodiversity remains poorly quantified. This study investigates how historical land-use changes have influenced biodiversity in Denmark by combining historical land-use data with records from Flora Danica, a comprehensive dataset documenting the occurrence and distribution of Danish plants. By analysing spatial and temporal patterns, we aim to address the effect of agricultural intensification and land-use changes on recent biodiversity patterns or biodiversity richness.
The research explores the legacy effects of historical agricultural land use at selected hotspots of change and how these insights can inform sustainable future management practices and biodiversity restoration. Our approach provides a unique opportunity to link historical developments with present-day biodiversity richness – or poorness offering valuable knowledge on the timeframes of degradation and potential restoration. These findings are crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in biodiversity conservation and sustainability. This study emphasises the importance of historical perspectives in ecological research and highlights the need for integrative approaches to safeguard biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.