Potential effects of small mammals in high-intensity agricultural systems in east-central Illinois, U.S.A.

Abstract

Of the eight species of small mammals commonly found in the high-intensity corn—soybean agricultural system in east-central Illinois, only Peromyscus maniculatus and Mus musculus normally occur in cultivated fields; the others are restricted to uncultivated sites. Species occurring in uncultivated sites have a neutral effect upon corn and soybeans in adjacent fields. P. maniculatus has the potential to consume up to 64% of the average annual weed seed production within cultivated fields and to contribute significantly to control of black cutworms and corn earworms in cornfields. M. musculus is estimated to contribute about one-half as much to the control of weeds, cutworms and corn earworms as does P. manuculatus. Neither species would exert a significant controlling influence on soybean insect pests.