How much biodiversity lives on a farm that applies agroecological practices and principles? An estimate from the results of a Bioblitz

Citizen science initiatives, such as the bioblitz, a short-term assessment of the species that inhabit an area, the result of collaboration between specialists and nature lovers, are becoming increasingly common. This article reports the results obtained during a bioblitz, which took place on 14th May 2023 on the biodynamic farm Cascine Orsine, located in Bereguardo (PV, Italy). The presence of 207 species was detected: 102 species of plants, 105 species of animals, including 31 of birds, 2 of amphibians, 4 of reptiles, 2 of mammals, 66 of invertebrates. Three plant and fi ve bird species are protected by current legislation. A farm that combines production needs with respect for environmental balances in a complex agroecological farm organism perspective, in the proximity of protected natural areas, can be confi gured as a transition zone. The maintenance of a mosaic of semi-natural areas alongside cropfi elds, by assuming the function of an ecological corridor, can in fact favour the development of biodiversity. The bioblitz initiative also raised awareness on the importance of biodiversity for increasing environmental sustainability in agricultural areas.