GroenWijzer: online guide to plant selection in field margins

Field margins can play an important role in sustainable crop protection, but which plants truly contribute to encouraging natural enemies and pollinators? And how do you avoid unintentionally promoting pests or diseases?

Field margin knowledge from practice and research has been brought together in a new user-friendly public tool: GreenWijzerGroenWijzer helps farmers and advisors choose suitable plant species based on the crop they're growing and the pests they need to control. This way, growers can maximize the added value of their field margins or flowering hedges.

What does GroenWijzer have to offer?

• A public database detailing the functions of over 200 plant species to promote natural pest control and pollinators in field margins. For each species, the key considerations and risks have also been identified.
• Users can select plants for a field edge or hedge (green strip) based on a pre-defined goal and a crop rotation plan.
• In addition to pest control, the tool also provides the option of selecting plants for field margins that promote pollination and create an attractive landscape.
• Growers can also enter an existing mixture into the tool to see what it does and easily save and exchange their plant selection with their advisor.

Field margins as part of ICM strategy
Not only the plant species in field margins are important for effective pest control. It's equally important to view a field margin as a full-fledged crop, with proper tillage and seeding under favorable conditions. In this way, field margins, along with other Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategies, can help cultivate healthy crops.

Want to know more?
During the webinar Applying field margins for natural pest and weed control On March 17, 2025, numerous practical experiences with field margins were discussed in detail. Researchers and farmers discussed the best sowing time, the most optimal width, and mowing policy. The webinar can be viewed in its entirety.

_{Sources
Green Knowledge Network - GreenWijzer
GroenWijzer helps with smart plant selection for field margins - Plant Health & Crop Protection Knowledge Portal
Green Knowledge Network - GroenWijzer helps with choices for natural pest control
Green Knowledge Network - GroenWijzer helps crop growers with the composition of field margins}

More information:
Combining field margins with buffer strips - Green Knowledge Network
Fewer insecticides needed for natural control of thrips and aphids - Groen Kennisnet
Professional information for arable farmers