Study

Novel margin management to enhance Auchenorrhyncha biodiversity in intensive grasslands

  • Published source details Blake R.J., Woodcock B.A., Ramsay A.J., Pilgrim E., Brown V.K., Tallowin J.R. & Potts S.G. (2011) Novel margin management to enhance Auchenorrhyncha biodiversity in intensive grasslands. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 150, 506-513.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Delay mowing or first grazing date on pasture or grassland

Action Link
Natural Pest Control
  1. Delay mowing or first grazing date on pasture or grassland

    A replicated, randomised, controlled study in 2003-2005 on four farms in the southwest UK (Blake et al. 2011) (part of the same study as Woodcock et al. 2007 and 2009) found similar combined numbers of planthoppers (Fulgoromorpha) and leafhoppers (Cicadomorpha) in pasture cut in July (averaging approximately 580 individuals/treatment) and cut in May (620 individuals). Planthopper and leafhopper species richness was also similar with 16.1 species in July-cut plots and 15.9 species in May-cut plots. More planthoppers and leafhoppers were found when pasture was cut only once (860 individuals/treatment), or not at all (595 individuals), compared with pasture cut twice (485 individuals). Cutting took place in July (a hay cut) or in May (a silage cut to 10 cm grass height) in permanent pastures. Plots were 50 x 10 m and treatments were replicated 12 times. Planthoppers and leafhoppers were collected in April, June, July and September in each year using a Vortis suction sampler, taking 75 ten-second suction samples/plot. June and September sampling occurred at least two weeks after cutting.

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