Assessment of arthropod diversity patterns in maize fields bordered by diverse cultivated refuge strips
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/2254-8854/2025/a24033Keywords:
Agroecology, Biodiversity, Conservation agriculture, Habitat managementAbstract
The simplification of landscapes associated with monocrop agriculture reduces the availability of habitats for beneficial arthropods that provide essential ecosystem services. Arthropod diversity can be increased through landscape enhancement, e.g. the cultivation of refuge strips (CRS). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of CRS, which is a novel management strategy in South Africa, on arthropod diversity in maize fields. Arthropod diversity and species composition was assessed along a transect from within CRS into two maize fields. The study was conducted on a large-scale commercial maize farm in the North-West province of South Africa. Two sampling methods were used (pitfall and pan traps). Traps were placed along three transects in each maize field during the pre-flowering and flowering stages of the maize crop. Each transect consisted of traps at the following distances: 0 m (within CRS), 5 m, 10 m and 20 m into the maize fields. A total of 270 pitfall and 270 pan trap samples were collected during this study. All arthropods were identified to morpho-species level and counted after which the Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’), Pielou’s evenness (J’) and Margalef’s diversity (d) were calculated. A total of 20 134 arthropods of 283 morpho-species were collected. Epigeal and flying arthropod diversity decreased as distance increased from the CRS. This trend was mirrored by the Pielou’s evenness index for epigeal arthropods while the evenness of flying arthropods indicated no clear pattern. Distinct arthropod communities were present within the CRS and the maize field. This pilot study indicates that the CRS supported a diverse arthropod community during the flowering stages of maize. However, as distance from the CRS increased, arthropod diversity decreased. Further studies should be conducted to determine the diversity within refuges and maize fields throughout the cropping season, as well as at longer distances away from refuges.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Luke Deyzel, Kiana Strydom, Johnnie van den Berg, Bianca Greyvenstein
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