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| Birkhofer , K; Fließbach , A; Wise , DH; Scheu , S. |
| Organically managed agroecosystems rely in part on biological control to prevent pest outbreaks. Generalist predators (Araneae, Carabidae and Staphylinidae) are a major component of the natural enemy community in agroecosystems. We assessed the seasonal dynamics of major generalist predator groups in conventionally and organically managed grass–clover fields that primarily differed by fertilisation strategy. We further established an experiment, manipulating the abundant wolf spider genus Pardosa, to identify the importance of these predators for herbivore suppression in the same system and growth period. Organic management significantly enhanced ground-active spider numbers early and late in the growing season, with potentially positive effects of plant... |
| Tipo: Journal paper |
Palavras-chave: Soil biology; Biodiversity and ecosystem services. |
| Ano: 2008 |
URL: http://orgprints.org/19615/1/birkkhofer%2Detal%2D2008%2Dpredators.pdf |
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