Study

Comparing the benefits to wintering birds of oil-seed rape establishment by broadcast and non-inversion tillage at Grange Farm, Cambridgeshire, England

  • Published source details Dillon I.A., Morris A.J. A.J. & Bailey C.M. (2009) Comparing the benefits to wintering birds of oil-seed rape establishment by broadcast and non-inversion tillage at Grange Farm, Cambridgeshire, England. Conservation Evidence, 6, 18-25.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Reduce tillage

Action Link
Bird Conservation

Reduce tillage

Action Link
Farmland Conservation
  1. Reduce tillage

    A replicated, controlled study in the winters of 2006-8 in four (2006-7) and two (2007-8) fields of winter oilseed rape on a single farm in Cambridgeshire, UK (Dillon et al. 2009), found that bird densities were similar between non-inversion tillage and control fields. Neither individual species nor groups of species responded to differences in crop establishment. However, the Farmland Bird Index (which included omnivores, carnivores, insect-eating birds and seed-eating species) was significantly higher on control fields. The authors point out that the overall densities on both treatments were still relatively low compared to other interventions (such as wild bird seed and over-winter cereal stubble). Two surveys were made in each field each month between September-March across the whole field area.

     

  2. Reduce tillage

    A replicated trial in the winters of 2006-2008 in four (2006-2007) and two (2007-2008) fields (located on one farm) of winter oilseed rape Brassica napus crops in Cambridgeshire, UK (Dillon et al. 2009) found that bird densities were similar between oilseed rape established using two different methods of reduced tillage (non-inversion tillage and broadcasting). Neither individual species nor groups of species (seed-eaters, probers) responded to differences in crop establishment. However, a Farmland Bird Index (which included omnivorous, carnivorous, insect-eating and seed-eating species) was significantly higher on broadcast oilseed rape fields. The authors point out that the overall densities on both treatments were still relatively low compared to other interventions (such as wild bird seed and overwinter cereal stubble). Two surveys were made in each field each month between September-March across the whole field area.

     

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust