Late season hay harvest provides habitat for marshland birds

Epperson, W. L.; Marcum, Daniel B.; Fitzhugh, E. Lee; Delmas, R.

doi:10.3733/ca.v053n03p12

“…In Michigan, the eastern meadowlark, dickcissel, bobolink, and Þeld and savannah sparrows are attracted to uncut alfalfa Þelds (Michigan State Department of Natural Resources, 1999). In California, August alfalfa harvest is delayed to minimize disturbance to greater sandhill crane nests and young broods that may be damaged by harvesting equipment (Epperson et al 1999). Iowa alfalfa is host to several bird species including redwinged blackbirds, ringneck pheasants, and dickcissels, which are negatively affected by harvesting (Frawley and Best 1991).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Within-Field Manipulation of Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Insect Predator Populations Using an Uncut Alfalfa Strip

Weiser¹,

Obrycki²,

Giles³

2003

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The effects of a 3-m wide uncut alfalfa strip on the within field distribution of Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and several species of insect predators were examined for 3 yr (1998-2000). The objectives were to determine whether this uncut strip would serve as a trap crop for E. fabae and a refuge for insect predators at first harvest. Empoasca fabae and insect predators in the families Coccinellidae, Nabidae, Anthocoridae, Chrysopidae, and Hemerobiidae were collected weekly using sweep samples and sticky traps from the uncut strips and up to 40 m into the alfalfa regrowth. For 2 yr, both small- (0.34 ha) and large-scale (approximately 11.3 ha) field trials showed higher numbers of E. fabae in 73% of the uncut strips for 2-3 wk after harvest. Similarly, the number of insect predators found within <50% of the uncut strips was also higher during the first or second week after harvest. In 1999, however, we did not observe higher numbers of E. fabae in the uncut strips. Differences may be because of higher E. fabae population numbers in 1999 compared with 1998 and 2000. This research provides alfalfa growers a potential cultural management technique for E. fabae while conserving predatory insects.

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Waterfowl and Wetland Birds

Vest,

Haukos,

Niemuth

et al. 2023

Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

2

0

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The future of wetland bird habitat and populations is intrinsically connected with the conservation of rangelands in North America. Many rangeland watersheds are source drainage for some of the highest functioning extant wetlands. The Central and Pacific Flyways have significant overlap with available rangelands in western North America. Within these flyways, the importance of rangeland management has become increasingly recognized by those involved in wetland bird conservation. Within the array of wetland bird species, seasonal habitat needs are highly variable. During the breeding period, nest survival is one of the most important drivers of population growth for many wetland bird species and rangelands often provide quality nesting cover. Throughout spring and fall, rangeland wetlands provide key forage resources that support energetic demands needed for migration. In some areas, stock ponds developed for livestock water provide migration stopover and wintering habitat, especially in times of water scarcity. In the Intermountain West, drought combined with water demands from agriculture and human population growth are likely headed to an ecological tipping point for wetland birds and their habitat in the region. In the Prairie Pothole Region, conversion of rangeland and draining of wetlands for increased crop production remains a significant conservation issue for wetland birds and other wildlife. In landscapes dominated by agricultural production, rangelands provide some of the highest value ecosystem services, including water quality and wetland function. Recent research has shown livestock grazing, if managed properly, is compatible and at times beneficial to wetland bird habitat needs. Either directly, or indirectly, wetland bird populations and their habitat needs are supported by healthy rangelands. In the future, rangeland and wetland bird managers will benefit from increased collaboration to aid in meeting ultimate conservation objectives.

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Within-Field Manipulation of Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Insect Predator Populations Using an Uncut Alfalfa Strip

Weiser¹,

Obrycki²

2003

Journal of Economic Entomology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The effects of a 3-m wide uncut alfalfa strip on the within field distribution of Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and several species of insect predators were examined for 3 yr (1998-2000). The objectives were to determine whether this uncut strip would serve as a trap crop for E. fabae and a refuge for insect predators at first harvest. Empoasca fabae and insect predators in the families Coccinellidae, Nabidae, Anthocoridae, Chrysopidae, and Hemerobiidae were collected weekly using sweep samples and sticky traps from the uncut strips and up to 40 m into the alfalfa regrowth. For 2 yr, both small- (0.34 ha) and large-scale (approximately 11.3 ha) field trials showed higher numbers of E. fabae in 73% of the uncut strips for 2-3 wk after harvest. Similarly, the number of insect predators found within <50% of the uncut strips was also higher during the first or second week after harvest. In 1999, however, we did not observe higher numbers of E. fabae in the uncut strips. Differences may be because of higher E. fabae population numbers in 1999 compared with 1998 and 2000. This research provides alfalfa growers a potential cultural management technique for E. fabae while conserving predatory insects.

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Late season hay harvest provides habitat for marshland birds

Cited by 4 publications

References 5 publications

Within-Field Manipulation of Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Insect Predator Populations Using an Uncut Alfalfa Strip

Within-Field Manipulation of Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Insect Predator Populations Using an Uncut Alfalfa Strip

Waterfowl and Wetland Birds

Within-Field Manipulation of Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Insect Predator Populations Using an Uncut Alfalfa Strip

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