Characterization of farm territory changes and their effects on permanent grasslands in the Niort Plain

The drivers of the grassland decline observed in agricultural statistics have to be clarified to establish measures to stop it. Several causes can be mentioned. On one hand, the evolution of farming systems may lead to changes in cropping systems without modifying the spatial limits of farms. On the other hand, losses of grassland surfaces may be concomitant with changes in the structure of farm territories (reduction, grouping, splitting up...). The aim of this work is to investigate the potential links between the farm territory changes and the evolution in permanent grassland surfaces.