Buffers for biomass production in temperate European agriculture: A review and synthesis on function, ecosystem services and implementation

► We review the biophysical knowledge relevant to designing biomass production buffers. ► We present a variety of buffer designs useable in different farm settings. ► We demonstrate the workability of one design at a trial site on a Danish farm. ► Biomass buffers can deliver economic, conservation and farm management benefits. ► Biomass buffers fit better to most farmers' views than agri-environmental schemes.