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Seed predation increases with ground beetle diversity in a Wisconsin (USA) potato agroecosystem
- Source :
-
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment . May2010, Vol. 137 Issue 3/4, p329-336. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are hypothesized to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in agroecosystems. We investigated how non-crop habitats in one AES influence seed-eating ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and post-dispersal weed seed predation, an ecosystem service provided by these beetles. We found that the abundance of beetles was higher in the non-crop habitats than within the crop fields. Species diversity (measured by Simpson''s D), however, was greater in crop fields than in non-crop habitats. In addition, beetle assemblages were distinct between the crop and non-crop habitats possibly due to differences in the frequency and intensity of disturbance between crop and non-crop habitats. Seed predation by small predators (mainly ground beetles) was greater in the non-crop habitat than within the potato field. Moreover, we found a positive association between seed predation and beetle diversity both within the crop and in the non-crop habitat which provides evidence of a relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, differences in species assemblages suggest that species identity also affects rates of seed predation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01678809
- Volume :
- 137
- Issue :
- 3/4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 49845025
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2010.03.003