Lines in the landscape

This comprehensive collaborative review brings together expertise from over 40 researchers worldwide to examine the ecological, biogeochemical, and societal importance of agricultural ditches and drainage channels - the “lines in the landscape” that are often overlooked despite their ubiquity and significance.

Key Contributions

• Comprehensive synthesis of ditch research across multiple disciplines including ecology, biogeochemistry, archaeology, and social sciences
• Assessment of the biodiversity value and ecosystem services provided by agricultural drainage networks
• Analysis of biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas emissions from ditches
• Historical perspective on human-ditch interactions and cultural significance
• Framework for understanding ditches as important landscape features deserving conservation attention

Significance

This international collaborative effort highlights how these seemingly simple landscape features play critical roles in:

• Supporting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes
• Mediating biogeochemical processes and nutrient cycling
• Providing ecosystem services including flood management and carbon storage
• Serving as corridors for wildlife movement
• Maintaining cultural and historical landscape connections

The review calls for greater recognition of ditches in landscape management, conservation planning, and environmental policy, emphasizing their potential as nature-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Recommended citation: Clifford, C., Bieroza, M., Clarke, S.J. et al. (including Habib, W. & Connolly, J.) (2025). "Lines in the landscape." Communications Earth & Environment, 6, 699.
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