The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Role of organic and conventional field boundaries on boreal bumblebees and butterflies

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

This study examined how field boundary habitat quality and farming system (organic or conventional) affect species richness and abundance of diurnal lepidopterans and bumblebees in boreal agricultural landscapes. The results showed positive effects of field boundary area on lepidopteran diversity, as well as positive effects of nectar flower abundance on lepidopterans and bumblebee abundance. Organic farming did not show any significant effects on lepidopteran diversity. The results suggested that a successful conservation strategy for lepidopterans occurring in boreal agroecosystems depend on proper management of field boundaries, irrespective of farming regime. As bumblebee diversity tended to be higher at organic plots it is concluded that these important pollinators might be able to react on even small changes in habitat quality of cultivated lands. The results concord with a general hypothesis that effects of organic farming might be overpowered by effects of landscape structure in heterogeneous landscapes.

Publishing year

2008-04

Language

English

Pages

155-159

Publication/Series

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Volume

124

Issue

3-4

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Ecology
  • Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
  • Agricultural Science, Forestry and Fisheries

Keywords

  • Boreal agroecosystem
  • Bumblebee
  • Butterfly
  • Diurnal lepidopterans
  • Flower abundance
  • Habitat area
  • Organic farming

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0167-8809