The effects of flooding lowland wet grassland on soil macroinvertebrate prey of breeding wading birds
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Published source details
Ausden M., Sutherland W.J. & James R. (2001) The effects of flooding lowland wet grassland on soil macroinvertebrate prey of breeding wading birds. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 320-338.
Published source details Ausden M., Sutherland W.J. & James R. (2001) The effects of flooding lowland wet grassland on soil macroinvertebrate prey of breeding wading birds. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 320-338.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Raise water levels in ditches or grassland Action Link |
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Raise water levels in ditches or grassland
A replicated study in 1993-1995 at 17 UK lowland grassland sites (12 with winter flooding introduced in the previous 1-14 years) (Ausden et al. 2001) found that unflooded pastures contained high biomass of soil macroinvertebrates (mainly cranefly (Tipulidae) larvae and earthworms (Lumbricidae)) of importance to breeding wading birds. Conversely, grasslands with a long history of winter flooding had a much lower soil macroinvertebrate biomass, comprising mainly a few semi-aquatic earthworm species.
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