Ground Beetles (Carabidae) in the Short-Rotation Coppice Willow and Poplar Plants—Synergistic Benefits System

Natalia Stefania Piotrowska,Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski,Stanisław Zbigniew Czachorowski

doi:10.3390/agriculture10120648

Natalia Stefania Piotrowska, Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10120648

Copy DOI

Journal: Agriculture	Publication Date: Dec 18, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Abstract

In a short period, we have observed the rapid expansion of bioenergy, resulting in growth in the area of energy crops. In Europe, willow and poplar growing in short-rotation coppices (SRC) are popular bioenergy crops. Their potential impact on biodiversity has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, there are many uncertainties regarding whether commercial production can cause environmental degradation and biodiversity impoverishment. One of the aspects examined is the impact of these crops on entomofauna and ecosystem services. The best-studied insect group is ground beetles from the Carabidae family. This work gathers data on biodiversity and the functions of carabids in willow and poplar energy plants. The results of these investigations show that energy SRC plants and Carabidae communities can create a synergistic system of mutual benefits. Willow and poplar plants can be a valuable habitat due to the increased biodiversity of entomofauna. Additionally, SRC creates a transitional environment that allows insect migration between isolated populations. On the other hand, ground beetles are suppliers of ecosystem services and make a significant contribution to the building of sustainable agriculture by pest control, thereby ameliorating damage to field crops.

Highlights

In the EU28 (28 European Union countries), the acreage of lignocellulosic plants is estimated to be 50,000 hectares of short-rotation coppices (SRC), mainly willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) plants [1]
It is considered that use of lignocellulosic plants can reduce competition with traditional crops for land and water resources [6], especially when grown on marginal land unsuitable for food production [7]
Similar results obtained by other investigators [91] can suggest that these species are a regular component of carabidofauna in Central and Eastern Europe [87]. These results indicate the need for further research on the structure of the Carabidae population and prove that not the number of beetles in a given area is less important compared to their species profile

Summary

Introduction

In the EU28 (28 European Union countries), the acreage of lignocellulosic plants is estimated to be 50,000 hectares of short-rotation coppices (SRC), mainly willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) plants [1]. Their impact on biodiversity remains only partially known [2]. Non-edible lignocellulosic plants, including willow and poplar, are used for heat and power generation and second-generation liquid biofuel production. It is considered that use of lignocellulosic plants can reduce competition with traditional crops for land and water resources [6], especially when grown on marginal land unsuitable for food production [7]. Some studies report that the large-scale homogeneous landscape of biofuel plantation has resulted in a simplified bio-community and food web, severely damaging ecosystem services and contributing to the decline in the biodiversity, Agriculture 2020, 10, 648; doi:10.3390/agriculture10120648 www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture

Results

Discussion

Conclusion