Study

A farm-scale evaluation of the influence of hedgerow cutting frequency on hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) berry yields

  • Published source details Croxton P. J. & Sparks T. H. (2002) A farm-scale evaluation of the influence of hedgerow cutting frequency on hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) berry yields. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 93, 437-439.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Manage hedgerows to benefit wildlife (includes no spray, gap-filling and laying)

Action Link
Farmland Conservation
  1. Manage hedgerows to benefit wildlife (includes no spray, gap-filling and laying)

    A replicated site comparison study of hedgerows at two arable and one mixed farm in England (Croxton & Sparks 2002) found that berry yield was significantly higher in hedges managed but uncut for at least two years (143-175 g/2.5 m²) than those cut annually (4-11 g/2.5 m²), but both had significantly lower yields than those uncut for many years (305-530 g/2.5 m²). There was no significant difference in the percentage dry matter content between treatments (uncut: 36-42% dry matter; uncut ? two years: 34-44%; annual cut: 35-41%). The farms were in Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire (mixed). Five hedges of each cutting regime were identified per site. Hawthorn berries were harvested (September-October 2001) from 10 quadrats (50 × 50 cm) on the side of hedges, 1 m above ground and at 10 m intervals (or the next nearest hawthorn to 10 m).

Output references
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