Crop diversity per km2

Unit :Number per square kilometer (#/km²)

Indicator :Ecosystem condition

Metric Type :State

Frameworks alignment notes

This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
Regen Ag Outcome: Increased cultivated biodiversity

Target example

[Company name] will increase crop diversity in [target location(s)] by [target amount, in absolute number per km2, or percentage] by [target year] compared to a [baseline year] baseline.

Target Source: WBCSD target template

Sector

Agri-food

Value chain stage

Raw Materials Manufacturing

Metric assessment

Relevance: Low

Feasibility: High

Related Actions

Restore areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations

Restore areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations

Description

Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations

Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations

Description

Reduce GHG emissions from operations and land use activities

Reduce GHG emissions from operations and land use activities

Description

Protect areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations

Protect areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations

Description

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification

Description

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas

Description

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes

Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes

Description

Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes

Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes

Description

Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture

Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture

Description

Expand sustainable production on degraded lands

Expand sustainable production on degraded lands

Description

Additional Metric Notes

Rationale: A modification of the Hill-Shannon Diversity Index, this metric can help establish a baseline from which changes toward sustainable agriculture can be measured. It is calculated over a defined time period (proposed: 3 years) and must be supported by key practices, specifically intercropping, cover crops, and grasslands. The metric applies to crops and may also be relevant for grazing systems, although there is limited evidence supporting animal diversity itself as a contributor to regenerative agriculture outcomes. Key resources: WBCSD Regen-ag Metrics - Biodiversity chapter Additional/complementary metrics: Intermediate metrics: crops grown, spatial extent (ha), number of months grown Landscape deep dives: Upper Midwest, USA - corn (+ soy rotation) - Key indicator for this biome where monocultures have dominated historically Key resources: Cover crops selector tool (web-based system to assist farmers in selecting cover crops): https://www.midwestcovercrops.org/selector-tools/ USDA Midwest Climate Hub - Sustainable Corn Tool: https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/midwest/tools/sustainable-corn; Friesland, NL - dairy (incl roughage growing) - For grazing, consider grass diversity and herb-rich grasslands. Landscape-specific metrics: may include # of species in the grasslands and % area of herb rich grassland. Recommended value for herb-rich grasslands is >15-20%. Key resources: Biodiversity Monitor for the Dairy Farming Sector (Certification and Management Packages):https://biodiversiteitsmonitormelkveehouderij.nl/certificatie Kringloopwijzer (dashboard of farm-level indicators): mijnkringloopwijzer.nl; Sidama, ETH - coffee - Key indicator for this biome where crop diversity is part of climate adaptation planning. RA Regenerative Scorecard recommends "maintaining agroforestry cover including a diversity of trees with at least 8 species (ideally native)." Landscape-specific metrics: may include diversification of coffee varietals, including climate resilient species. Key resources: Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Coffee Scorecard: https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/resource-item/regenerative-coffee-scorecard/