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Impact of the extensification of grassland on grasshoppers and bumble bees
Project
Project code: REFORDAT-175, II-A 1 F 41.2013.03
Contract period: 01.04.2013
- 31.03.2015
Budget: 90,460 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
North Rhine-Westphalia provides payments to farmers who subscribe to environmental commitments related to the preservation of grasslands. Participating farmers of the agrienvironmental measure “extensification of grassland” are predominantly situated in low mountain areas. Most studies on the monitoring of the biotic effects of grassland extensification have dealt with botanical parameters on meadows and pastures managed under contract nature protection scheme. Some zoological investigations are about bird communities on extensive grassland. However, data on invertebrate communties are missing so far. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of grassland extensification on grasshoppers and bumblebees in contrast to intensive grasslands. Diversity of invertebrate communities will be recorded at certain reference farms. Factors affecting the composition of communities will be determined including landscape parameters. On the basis of these results suggestions on the evaluation and improvement of the agrienvironmental measure “extensification of grassland” will be made.
Section overview
Subjects
- Grassland
- Wildlife Biology
- Agroecology