Temporal and spatial quantification of farm and landscape functions

Abstract

This PhD thesis presents a study on the spatial distribution of agricultural functions at farm and landscape levels. The study focuses on conceptualization of multifunctionality. The concrete conceptual steps include: identification of indicators of four farm and landscape functions – production, residence, habitat, and recreation; development of a method for quantifying farm functionality and assessing multifunctionality; and definition of a farm typology based on multifunctionality strategies. Empirical data from farm interviews were used in the study to test the developed methods. The results related to quantification shows large variation of functional scores among farms of different sizes and different occupational statuses of the farmer. Furthermore, in the study area medium-large farms are the most multifunctional. Farm functionality has changed from the 1990s to 2008. Multifunctionality is generally decreases and a tendency of increased segregation of the rural landscape is observed. In perspective, further studies on quantification in tangible units, synergies and trade-offs between functions at different scales, and correlations between structures and functions are needed.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherDepartment of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
Number of pages222
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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