Management of stubble-set-aside for invertebrates important in the diet of breeding farmland birds

Published source details Moreby S.J. & Southway S. (2000) Management of stubble-set-aside for invertebrates important in the diet of breeding farmland birds. Aspects of Applied Biology, 62, 39-46.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide or retain set‐aside areas in farmland Action Link
	Provide or retain set-aside areas in farmland Action Link

Provide or retain set‐aside areas in farmland

A replicated, paired, site comparison study on 30 arable farms in southern and eastern England, UK (Moreby & Southway 2000) found that stubble set-aside fields had a similar abundance of caterpillars to wheat fields. The number of caterpillars of butterflies, moths and sawflies (Lepidoptera and Tenthredinidae combined; 0.2–0.5 individuals/sample) did not differ between set-aside and wheat fields. Additionally, cutting set-aside (to 10–15 cm) tended to decrease invertebrate numbers (including Lepidoptera) compared to topping it (to 25 cm) or leaving it uncut (data not presented). Set-aside fields were naturally regenerated after harvest. Wheat fields received pesticides. Invertebrates were sampled using a D-Vac suction sampler in 51 set-aside fields and 51 adjacent wheat fields on 30 farms in June–July (year not given).

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon, edited from Farmland synopsis)
Provide or retain set-aside areas in farmland

A replicated, controlled, paired sites comparison study of 51 set-aside and wheat fields on 30 farms in southern and eastern England (Moreby & Southway 2000) found that stubble set-aside had more spiders (Araneae) and leafhoppers (Auchenorrhyncha), higher weed cover and greater plant species diversity, whilst wheat had more beetles (Coleoptera). Set-aside fields had 16 spiders, 16 leafhoppers, 0.7 leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), 0.5 ground beetles (Carabidae) and 0.4 soldier beetles (Cantharidae)/sample on average. Wheat fields had 11 spiders, 9 leafhoppers, 0.3 leaf beetles, 0.3 ground beetles and 0.3 soldier beetles/sample on average. Numbers did not differ between set-aside and wheat for true bugs (Heteroptera; 5-6/sample), larvae of butterflies, moths (Lepidoptera) and sawflies (Tenthredinidae; 0.2-0.5 larvae/sample) or weevils (Curculionidae) (0.2 vs 0.1). Cutting set-aside (to 10-15 cm) tended to decrease invertebrate numbers compared to topping (to 25 cm) or leaving it uncut. Weed cover and diversity were significantly higher on set-aside (cover: 32%; species: 99) compared to wheat (cover: 3%; species: 41). Set-aside fields were naturally regenerated after harvest. Wheat fields received pesticides. Invertebrates were sampled using a D-Vac suction sampler in each set-aside and adjacent wheat field in June-July. Weed cover was sampled in 10 random quadrats (0.25 m²) per field.