Floral resources in agricultural landscapes throughout the vegetation period

Land use determines the temporal and spatial patterns of flower resources in agricultural landscapes and has a considerable impact on insect populations. We studied the availability of floral resources throughout the year 2024 in two 1 km² study areas, that are organically farmed. The average flower density of selected plant species was quantified within a hexagonal raster (mesh size 100 m) over 14 time steps, based on flower counts. Grassland management is the most important factor for the availability of floral resources whereas arable land contributes very little. Linear structures such as strips along fields or paths are not important in terms of the number of flowers they provide, but they play an essential role in connecting patches with floral resources. Clover-herb mixtures can provide the same proportion of floral resources as grassland, especially in late summer.

Flower density in the agricultural landscape Viehausen July 2024