Perennial vegetation in agricultural landscapes: a reappraisal

Abstract

This commentary describes advances in knowledge over the past decade on how incorporating relatively small amounts of perennial vegetation at targeted locations in agricultural landscapes can lead to substantial, disproportionately large ecosystem benefits. We highlight research demonstrating the potential for perennial vegetation within agricultural landscapes to sustain crucial ecosystem services—including regulating water, carbon, and nutrient cycles and supporting biotic interactions—while simultaneously provisioning food, fiber, and energy. We also discuss several emerging frontiers where new research is leading to a deeper understanding of how to target perennial-based practices and policies to achieve desired outcomes. We emphasize scientific and technological advances for improving the design of perennial integration, support tools for practitioners, perennial crop and livelihood diversification, and transdisciplinary approaches for co-generation of knowledge and application. Finally, we call for increased action, including research, education, stakeholder engagement, and policy development, toward strategic integration of perennials in agroecosystems.