Impact of management on foliage-dwelling arthropods and dynamics within permanent pastures.

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

SUBMITTER: Rosa Garcia R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6668424 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature