Plant diversity enhances moth diversity in an intensive forest management experiment
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Published source details
Root H.T., Verschuyl J., Stokely T., Hammond P., Scherr M.A. & Betts M.G. (2017) Plant diversity enhances moth diversity in an intensive forest management experiment. Ecological Applications, 27, 134-142.
Published source details Root H.T., Verschuyl J., Stokely T., Hammond P., Scherr M.A. & Betts M.G. (2017) Plant diversity enhances moth diversity in an intensive forest management experiment. Ecological Applications, 27, 134-142.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Reduce fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide use generally Action Link |
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Reduce fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide use generally
A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 2011–2013 in eight forests in Oregon, USA (Root et al. 2017) found that replanted stands with limited or no herbicide applications had a higher species richness, but similar abundance, of moths to stands with more herbicide applied. In forest stands with limited or no herbicide treatment, the species richness of moths (42 species/stand) was higher than in stands with moderate or intensive herbicide treatments (38 species/stand). However, the abundance of moths was not significantly different between stands with different herbicide applications (none: 144–148; limited: 180–195; moderate: 132–138; intensive: 161–172 individuals/stand). In winter 2009–2010, four 10–19-ha stands within each of eight forest blocks were clearcut, and replanted with Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii in spring 2011. Within each block, one stand received each of four herbicide treatments: no herbicide; limited herbicide treatment for herbaceous plants in year two and woody vegetation in year three; moderate treatment prior to planting and for woody vegetation control in years three and four; intensive treatment with the moderate applications plus herbaceous control in years two and three. The moderate treatment reflected standard management practice. From May–August 2012–2013, moths were sampled overnight once/month using three 22 W universal black-light traps/stand. Stands within a block were sampled on the same night.
(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)
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