The effect of different farming systems on epigeic arthropods: a five-year study on the rove beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of winter wheat

Abstract

The susceptibility of rove beetles to extensification practices in agriculture was studied in four farming systems on the same farm for a period of five years. The systems differed in application of fertilizer and pesticides in methods of soil cultivation and in crop rotation. The most common staphylinid species ( Tachyporus hypnorum, Oxytelus inustus, Lesteva longelytrata, Philonthus fuscipennis) were the same in all farming systems, but total faunal composition was different. Species richness and diversity were highest with reduced tillage and fewer pesticide applications. This was the result of an increased (but still tolerable) weed density which probably caused more favourable microclimatic conditions. Moreover, some species were negatively affected by the use of a plough and the abundance and biomass of potential prey is considered to be higher on unploughed plots. A reduction in the use of insecticides alone led to an increase of the abundance of a few of the most common species, but had no positive effect on species richness. The treatment “no fertilization” led to sparse crops with unfavourable microclimate. In this case, population density and the number of species of the rove beetle fauna decreased even when no pesticides were applied.