Arthropod diversity in Midwestern biofuel cropping systems

Robertson, B.A. and D. Schemske

Presented at the All Scientist and GLBRC Sustainability Meeting (2009-05-05 to 2009-05-07 )

Federal mandates and increasing demand for alternative energy have contributed to dramatic and continuing increases in biofuel production, but the potential consequences for biodiversity remain unclear. We examine the richness of arthropod communities associated with contemporary (corn) and potential next generation cellulosic biofuel feedstocks (switchgrass, mixed-grass prairie) in southern Michigan. We conducted sweepnet surveys of arthropods during late spring (May), summer (June) and early fall (September) of 2008 and compare taxonomic richness of arthropod communities at the family level. Because the diversity and structure of vegetation in biofuel plantations may favor or disfavor functional groups of arthropods, we also examine responses from this more ecological point of view.

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