Dynamics of small biotopes in Danish agricultural landscapes

The contemporary pattern of small biotopes - small uncultivated areas in the agricultural landscape, its historical development and recent trends have been studied in Eastern Denmark. The study is based on ordinance maps dating back to 1885, aerial photographs, and field studies (1981 and 1986). The development of these areas is seen in changes in agricultural production. A general decrease in the overall density, and especially in the density of the smallest, wet biotopes, is demonstrated. This change, however, is hiding a more dynamic process of removal, establishment and change within the individual biotopes. The consequences on research, monitoring and management of the agricultural landscape are discussed.