New project supported paper considers farm landscape aesthetics
We are pleased to share the publication of an insightful FRAMEwork supported paper titled "Does Increasing Farm Plot Size Influence the Visual Quality of Everyday Agricultural Landscapes?" in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Co-authored by Iris Bohnet from consortium partner CZULS, this study explores how the size of farm plots impacts the visual appeal of agricultural landscapes, with significant implications for agricultural policies and landscape management.
Focusing on central and eastern European agricultural landscapes, which have experienced significant changes in plot size since the 1950s, the research examines whether smaller farm plot sizes, contributing to greater landscape heterogeneity, are perceived as more visually appealing compared to larger homogeneous plots.
Key Insights:
Visual Preferences: People generally prefer small-scale plot patterns, especially in flat landscapes with low woody vegetation. These diverse landscapes are deemed more beautiful and beneficial to well-being.
Impact of Plot Size: Even moderate decreases in plot size significantly improve the visual quality of homogeneous landscapes.
Demographic Consistency: Preferences for smaller plots are consistent across different demographic groups, notably older individuals, those with higher education, and professionals in landscape design or conservation.
Policy Implications: The study suggests re-evaluating land consolidation practices in agricultural policy-making to enhance the visual and ecological quality of landscapes.
For more details, you can read the full paper here.
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is a peer-reviewed, trans-disciplinary journal focused on publishing content related to health promotion and disease prevention. IJERPH aims to bring together all scientific communities from various disciplines that address health promotion, wellbeing and improvement of quality of life. We strive to broaden the perception of Public Health to encompass all aspects of biological, social, environmental, and behavioural determinants of health, shifting the focus beyond traditional boundaries.
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