Enhancement of Linear Agricultural Areas to Provide Invertebrates as Potential Food for Breeding Birds

Tracy R. Evans, Meredith J. Mahoney, Everett D. Cashatt, Geert De Snoo and C.J.M. Musters
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Tracy R. Evans: Institute of Environmental Sciences, van Steenisgebouw, Einsteinweg 2, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
Meredith J. Mahoney: Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash Street, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
Everett D. Cashatt: Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash Street, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
Geert De Snoo: Institute of Environmental Sciences, van Steenisgebouw, Einsteinweg 2, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
C.J.M. Musters: Institute of Environmental Sciences, van Steenisgebouw, Einsteinweg 2, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands

Land, 2016, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: Birds are an important part of the agricultural landscape, as having nature value, but also as pest control agents and bio-indicators for the health of the environment. Here we look at linear non-crop elements in agricultural areas as a potential source of food for nestlings of avian species. We measured invertebrate availability as it relates to structural complexity at the local and landscape levels in three counties in central Illinois. Invertebrates were measured with taxonomic diversity, abundance, and estimated biomass during spring of 2012 and 2013. Our study shows that easily modifiable field edge characteristics have the greatest impact on invertebrate diversity and abundance, as compared to field and landscape features. This finding shows that a potential invertebrate food source as measured by both diversity and biomass, may be easily enhanced without changes to agricultural practices.

Keywords: agricultural landscape; biodiversity; bird food; invertebrate abundance; invertebrate diversity; landscape complexity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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