Abstract
The restoration of biodiversity within previously improved grasslands is an important objective worldwide. In some areas farmers receive remuneration for using specific strategies but the environmental responses to them are still uncertain. This study explored the short and long-term impacts of sheep grazing and/or hay cutting on arthropod foliage communities and flora within Welsh upland permanent pastures (UK). We measured arthropod abundance and diversity plus sward surface height, flower numbers and percentage of forbs and grasses. Data were collected during summer; twice before hay cutting and once shortly after. Total arthropod abundance was higher in grazed plots (due to Symphypleona flourishing) and family richness in hay cut plots, but taxa-specific responses occurred. Short-term effects reflected phenological changes (e.g. in Symphypleona or Cantharidae) and arthropod reductions after hay cut, when mostly Diptera remained. Arthropod communities were more abundant and diverse in flower-rich and forb-dominated plots managed by hay cutting and by hay cutting with aftermath grazing, although certain groups flourished in grazed only grass-dominated plots. The two managements based on a hay cut provided more heterogeneous environmental conditions than other management treatments, and these supported more diverse arthropod communities. The results make a valuable addition to the evidence base on which to base future land use policy at a time when trade-offs between agricultural production and nature conservation are under scrutiny across Europe.
Highlights
Intensification of agricultural practices across Europe has been linked to raised soil fertility, dominance of introduced grass species, and inappropriate management[1,2]; these are all factors that have contributed to the loss of biodiversity in grasslands[3,4]
This study explored the impacts of sheep grazing with and without hay cutting on flora and arthropod foliage communities within upland permanent pastures
Earlier work at the site had reported an increase in the number and diversity of forb species within plots managed for a hay cut compared to those that were grazed[17]. We hypothesized that such changes in floristic composition and structure would be reflected in greater arthropod abundance and diversity in plots with hay cut strategies
Summary
Intensification of agricultural practices across Europe has been linked to raised soil fertility, dominance of introduced grass species, and inappropriate management[1,2]; these are all factors that have contributed to the loss of biodiversity in grasslands[3,4]. Recent communications from the EU Commission[5] for the CAP beyond 2020 continue stressing the need to ensure that actively farmed areas are managed using practices that are beneficial to the environment For permanent grasslands, both livestock grazing and hay cutting receive specific attention in the latest reforms. Arthropods are a key component of grassland systems, making a significant contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function They rely on the availability of resources (e.g. vegetation), which in turn varies greatly in response to management strategies[13]. Earlier work at the site had reported an increase in the number and diversity of forb species within plots managed for a hay cut compared to those that were grazed[17] We hypothesized that such changes in floristic composition and structure would be reflected in greater arthropod abundance and diversity in plots with hay cut strategies. We explored the differential contribution of specific sward characteristics in explaining the different arthropod communities
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