Project
Ecosystem services and resources for beneficial arthropods in agro-landscapes
Agricultural production is supported by ecosystem services (pollination, natural pest control, soil processes, etc), because of the presence of beneficial arthropods and other organisms. Intesively used, simplified agricultural landscapes have reduced biodiversity and reduced levels of ecosystem services.
Background
We are interested in options for management and landscape design that support the increase of ecosystem services in agro-landscapes. Stakeholders with different interests are involved in this transition of agro-landscapes.
Beneficial arthropods (hover flies, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps, wild bees, etc) need resources like nectar, pollen, shelter and alternative food, found in semi-natural habitats such as road verges, woodlots, ditch banks and flower strips, but also in agricultural fields. We study the relation between the distribution and temporal dynamics of these vital resources for different groups of beneficial arthropods in agro-landscapes. The spatial arrangement and quality of landscape elements (agricultural fields as well as semi-natural habitats) also influence the provisioning of other ecosystem services (such as water purification, biodiversity, recreational value), which are interesting for farmers, and other stakeholders.
In this project we apply different approaches that are integrated in a landscape design and evaluation method (Landscape Images). It includes field work, modelling, workshops with stakeholders, GIS and database analysis, and others. The project focusses on two case study areas: Hoeksche Waard and Flevopolders.
Types of research
For MSc or BSc thesis work different types of research are possible, including:
- Modelling
- Field work (also in winter: impact of tillage practices on hibernation of arthropods)
- GIS and database analysis
- Workshops or surveys (depending on phase of the project)
