Transient peak in moth diversity as a response to organic farming

Published source details Jonason D., Franzen M. & Pettersson L.B. (2013) Transient peak in moth diversity as a response to organic farming. Basic and Applied Ecology, 14, 515-522.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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A replicated, site comparison study in 2010 in 18 arable farms in south-east Sweden (Jonason et al. 2013) found that recently established organic farms had a higher abundance and species richness of moths than older organic farms or conventional farms. On farms which had been managed organically for up to six years, the abundance (357 individuals) and species richness (26 species) of moths was higher than on farms which had been managed organically for over 15 years (abundance: 48 individuals; richness: 11 species) and on conventionally managed farms (abundance: 50 individuals; richness: 12 species). Twelve species of moth were associated with new organic farms (see paper for details), but no species were associated with old organic or conventional farms. Six farms had been in organic management for ≤6 years, six had been in organic management for 15–23 years, and six were still managed conventionally. In early August 2010, moths were sampled for four consecutive days using three bait traps/farm. Traps were placed 50 m apart along one 1.5–3-m-wide, >300-m-long, uncropped field margin/farm, 1.7 m above ground, and baited with sugar saturated red wine.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)