Diversification of mowing regime increases arthropods diversity in species-poor cultural hay meadows

Published source details Cizek O. & Konvicka M. (2012) Diversification of mowing regime increases arthropods diversity in species-poor cultural hay meadows. Journal of Insect Conservation, 16, 215-226.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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Use rotational mowing

A replicated, controlled study in 2005–2006 in 11 hay meadows in Eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic (Cizek et al. 2012) found that rotationally mown meadows were preferred by most species of butterfly. Most butterfly species (29/32 species) preferred rotationally mown meadows to complete cut meadows. The three species which preferred complete cut meadows were all woodland species which would only be visiting the meadows temporarily. In 2005 and 2006, one of three mowing regimes was applied to 11 meadows: alternating cut and uncut 5–10-m strips in June and cutting the remaining strips in August; alternating cut and uncut 50-m blocks in June and cutting the remaining blocks in August; mowing the whole meadow in June and August. The latter represented standard agri-environment scheme meadow management in the Czech Republic, and all meadows were managed like this prior to the study. Management of some meadows changed between years. From May–September 2005–2006, butterflies were surveyed fortnightly along transects through 11 meadows.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)