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The invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is an important pest species in agriculture and horticulture in Europe. In the last decades it has spread across the continent where it outcompetes native slug and snail species, thus posing a threat for biodiversity. A popular anecdote suggests to promote Roman snails (Helix pomatia) in gardens because they are able to control A. vulgaris. We examined a potential interrelationship between these two species using a mesocosm experiment with lettuce plants. 13C-15N stable isotope labelling of lettuce allowed us to investigate interactions between Helix and Arion on weight gain/loss and herbivory. Additionally, we wanted to know whether different watering regimes (daily vs. every 3rd day watering of weekly amount) and earthworms alter these interactions. Egg predation of Helix on Arion eggs was further tested in a food-choice experiment. Arion showed a five times higher herbivory per body mass than Helix in a single-species setting. However, in mesocosms containing both species percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than in Arion-only mesocosms, especially when watered every three days. Overall isotope uptake via eaten lettuce was unaffected by the presence of the other species. Only very little predation (three out of 200 eggs) of Helix on Arion eggs was observed. Our results provide no evidence for a clear dismissal or confirmation of the popular gardener’s anecdote that Helix snails have a negative effect on Arion abundance or herbivory.
Daniel Dörler; Verena Dorn; Theresia Widhalm; Micha Horacek; Florian Heigl; Pia Euteneuer; Friedrich Leisch; Thomas Frank; Johann G. Zaller. Experimental indications of gardeners’ anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs. PeerJ 2021, 9, e11309 .
AMA StyleDaniel Dörler, Verena Dorn, Theresia Widhalm, Micha Horacek, Florian Heigl, Pia Euteneuer, Friedrich Leisch, Thomas Frank, Johann G. Zaller. Experimental indications of gardeners’ anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs. PeerJ. 2021; 9 ():e11309.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Dörler; Verena Dorn; Theresia Widhalm; Micha Horacek; Florian Heigl; Pia Euteneuer; Friedrich Leisch; Thomas Frank; Johann G. Zaller. 2021. "Experimental indications of gardeners’ anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs." PeerJ 9, no. : e11309.
Wild bees are threatened by multiple interacting stressors, such as habitat loss, land use change, parasites, and pathogens. However, vineyards with vegetated inter‐rows can offer high floral resources within viticultural landscapes and provide foraging and nesting habitats for wild bees. Here, we assess how vineyard management regimes (organic vs. conventional; inter‐row vegetation management) and landscape composition determine the inter‐row plant and wild bee assemblages, as well as how these variables relate to functional traits in 24 Austrian and 10 South African vineyards. Vineyards had either permanent vegetation cover in untilled inter‐rows or temporary vegetation cover in infrequently tilled inter‐rows. Proportion of seminatural habitats (e.g., fallows, grassland, field margins) and woody structures (e.g., woodlots, single trees, tree rows) were used as proxies for landscape composition and mapped within 500‐m radius around the study vineyards. Organic vineyard management increased functional richness (FRic) of wild bees and flowering plants, with woody structures marginally increasing species richness and FRic of wild bees. Wild bee and floral traits were differently associated across the countries. In Austria, several bee traits (e.g., lecty, pollen collection type, proboscis length) were associated with flower color and symmetry, while in South African vineyards, only bees’ proboscis length was positively correlated with floral traits characteristic of Asteraceae flowers (e.g., ray–disk morphology, yellow colors). Solitary bee species in Austria benefitted from infrequent tillage, while ground nesting species preferred inter‐rows with undisturbed soils. Higher proportions of woody structures in surrounding landscapes resulted in less solitary and corbiculate bees in Austria, but more aboveground nesting species in South Africa. In both countries, associations between FRic of wild bees and flowering plants were positive both in organic and in conventional vineyards. We recommend the use of diverse cover crop seed mixtures to enhance plant flowering diversity in inter‐rows, to increase wild bee richness in viticultural landscapes.
Sophie Kratschmer; Bärbel Pachinger; René Gaigher; James S. Pryke; Julia van Schalkwyk; Michael J. Samways; Annalie Melin; Temitope Kehinde; Johann G. Zaller; Silvia Winter. Enhancing flowering plant functional richness improves wild bee diversity in vineyard inter‐rows in different floral kingdoms. Ecology and Evolution 2021, 11, 7927 -7945.
AMA StyleSophie Kratschmer, Bärbel Pachinger, René Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Julia van Schalkwyk, Michael J. Samways, Annalie Melin, Temitope Kehinde, Johann G. Zaller, Silvia Winter. Enhancing flowering plant functional richness improves wild bee diversity in vineyard inter‐rows in different floral kingdoms. Ecology and Evolution. 2021; 11 (12):7927-7945.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSophie Kratschmer; Bärbel Pachinger; René Gaigher; James S. Pryke; Julia van Schalkwyk; Michael J. Samways; Annalie Melin; Temitope Kehinde; Johann G. Zaller; Silvia Winter. 2021. "Enhancing flowering plant functional richness improves wild bee diversity in vineyard inter‐rows in different floral kingdoms." Ecology and Evolution 11, no. 12: 7927-7945.
Background Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are among the most often used pesticides. The hundreds of GBHs used worldwide consist of the active ingredient (AI) glyphosate in form of different salts, possibly other AIs, and various mostly undisclosed co-formulants. Pesticide risk assessments are commonly performed using single AIs or GBHs at standard soil conditions without vegetation. In a greenhouse experiment, we established a weed population with common amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) to examine the effects of three GBHs (Roundup LB Plus, Roundup PowerFlex, Touchdown Quattro) and their corresponding AIs (salts of glyphosate isopropylammonium, potassium, diammonium) on the activity and physiological biomarkers (glutathione S-transferase, GST; acetylcholine esterase, AChE) of an ecologically relevant earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris). GBHs and AIs were applied at recommended doses; hand weeding served as control. Experiments were established with two soil types differing in organic matter content (SOM; 3.0% vs. 4.1%) and other properties. Results Earthworm activity (casting and movement activity) decreased after application of glyphosate formulations or active ingredients compared to hand weeding. We found no consistent pattern that formulations had either higher or lower effects on earthworm activity than their active ingredients; rather, differences were substance-specific. Earthworm activity was little affected by soil organic matter levels. Biomarkers remained unaffected by weed control types; GST but not AChE was decreased under high SOM. Water infiltration after a simulated heavy rainfall was interactively affected by weed control types and SOM. Leachate amount was higher after application of formulations than active ingredients and was higher under low SOM. Glyphosate concentrations in soil and leachate were strongly affected by application of formulations or active ingredients and varied with SOM (significant weed control type x SOM interaction). Conclusions We found that both commercial formulations and pure active ingredients can influence earthworms with consequences on important soil functions. Glyphosate products showed increased, reduced or similar effects than pure glyphosate on particular soil functions; soil properties can substantially alter this. Especially at lower SOM, heavy rainfalls could lead to more glyphosate leaching into water bodies. A full disclosure of co-formulants would be necessary to further decipher their specific contributions to these inconsistent effects.
Johann G. Zaller; Maureen Weber; Michael Maderthaner; Edith Gruber; Eszter Takács; Mária Mörtl; Szandra Klátyik; János Győri; Jörg Römbke; Friedrich Leisch; Bernhard Spangl; András Székács. Effects of glyphosate-based herbicides and their active ingredients on earthworms, water infiltration and glyphosate leaching are influenced by soil properties. Environmental Sciences Europe 2021, 33, 1 -16.
AMA StyleJohann G. Zaller, Maureen Weber, Michael Maderthaner, Edith Gruber, Eszter Takács, Mária Mörtl, Szandra Klátyik, János Győri, Jörg Römbke, Friedrich Leisch, Bernhard Spangl, András Székács. Effects of glyphosate-based herbicides and their active ingredients on earthworms, water infiltration and glyphosate leaching are influenced by soil properties. Environmental Sciences Europe. 2021; 33 (1):1-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohann G. Zaller; Maureen Weber; Michael Maderthaner; Edith Gruber; Eszter Takács; Mária Mörtl; Szandra Klátyik; János Győri; Jörg Römbke; Friedrich Leisch; Bernhard Spangl; András Székács. 2021. "Effects of glyphosate-based herbicides and their active ingredients on earthworms, water infiltration and glyphosate leaching are influenced by soil properties." Environmental Sciences Europe 33, no. 1: 1-16.
Extensively managed grasslands, particularly in mountain regions, are considered to be one of the most diverse agroecosystems worldwide. Their decline due to land use abandonment affects the diversity of both plants and associated pollinators. Extensive grasslands constitute an important habitat type and food resource for hoverflies (syrphids); however, not much is known about the effects of abandonment on this important pollinator group. In the present study, we investigated how abandonment affects species richness and the composition of syrphids in mountainous meadows. We recorded the richness of vascular plants, vegetation cover, flower cover and the surrounding landscape to examine whether and how syrphids are affected by plant and landscape parameters. We investigated the species richness, abundance and species composition of syrphids by sweep netting and by using observation plots in 18 semidry meadows across two Austrian regions and one Swiss region. For each region, we selected three meadows abandoned for more than 20 years and three annually mown non-fertilized meadows. Abandonment or mowing had no significant effect on the total number of syrphid species or individuals or on the number of aphidophagous and non-aphidophagous species and individuals. However, the total number of species and the number of non-aphidophagous species significantly increased with the increasing number of plant species. The surrounding landscape and other plant parameters showed no association with the assessed syrphid parameters. Although syrphids were unaffected by abandonment, higher syrphid species numbers in response to a higher plant richness in annual mown meadows suggest that the management of mountain meadows is beneficial in preserving syrphid richness.
Ronnie Walcher; Raja Imran Hussain; Johannes Karrer; Andreas Bohner; David Brandl; Johann G. Zaller; Arne Arnberger; Thomas Frank. Effects of management cessation on hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) across Austrian and Swiss mountain meadows. Web Ecology 2020, 20, 143 -152.
AMA StyleRonnie Walcher, Raja Imran Hussain, Johannes Karrer, Andreas Bohner, David Brandl, Johann G. Zaller, Arne Arnberger, Thomas Frank. Effects of management cessation on hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) across Austrian and Swiss mountain meadows. Web Ecology. 2020; 20 (2):143-152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRonnie Walcher; Raja Imran Hussain; Johannes Karrer; Andreas Bohner; David Brandl; Johann G. Zaller; Arne Arnberger; Thomas Frank. 2020. "Effects of management cessation on hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) across Austrian and Swiss mountain meadows." Web Ecology 20, no. 2: 143-152.
Cover crops are an essential element of sustainable agriculture and can affect earthworm populations. In a field trial, we investigated the effects of four cover crop treatments: radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus B.; at high and low seed density), black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanese M.) on earthworms under two irrigation regimes. The two parallel field trials (irrigated and rainfed) demonstrated the significance of soil moisture for earthworm abundance with lower numbers under rainfed black oat and Sudan grass compared with moister bare fallow in autumn (P < 0.05). Soil moisture content changed from autumn to spring and was highest under Sudan grass in both irrigation regimes (P < 0.05). Earthworm numbers equalised and were then similar in all treatments, but under rainfed cover crop treatments, earthworm populations gained 62.3 g g−1 in biomass from autumn to the following spring (P < 0.05). Laboratory experiments showed the importance of N content and more palatability of low C:N ratio radish for growth rate of juvenile Aporrectodea longa and cocoon production by Aporrectodea caliginosa. These two earthworm species showed a different preference in choice chamber experiments between roots and shoots. Radish was consumed first in three out of four experiments. Field and laboratory experiments highlighted the effects of cover crops on earthworm abundance, reproduction and development. Overall, our results showed that cover crops can support earthworm development, but under field conditions, soil moisture is more important. In the short-term, this can lead to a trade-off between plant biomass production and earthworm numbers.
Pia Euteneuer; Helmut Wagentristl; Siegrid Steinkellner; Martin Fuchs; Johann G. Zaller; Hans-Peter Piepho; Kevin R. Butt. Contrasting effects of cover crops on earthworms: Results from field monitoring and laboratory experiments on growth, reproduction and food choice. European Journal of Soil Biology 2020, 100, 103225 .
AMA StylePia Euteneuer, Helmut Wagentristl, Siegrid Steinkellner, Martin Fuchs, Johann G. Zaller, Hans-Peter Piepho, Kevin R. Butt. Contrasting effects of cover crops on earthworms: Results from field monitoring and laboratory experiments on growth, reproduction and food choice. European Journal of Soil Biology. 2020; 100 ():103225.
Chicago/Turabian StylePia Euteneuer; Helmut Wagentristl; Siegrid Steinkellner; Martin Fuchs; Johann G. Zaller; Hans-Peter Piepho; Kevin R. Butt. 2020. "Contrasting effects of cover crops on earthworms: Results from field monitoring and laboratory experiments on growth, reproduction and food choice." European Journal of Soil Biology 100, no. : 103225.
Vineyards are important perennial, often intensively managed agroecosystems. In most vineyards, ground vegetation is controlled by tillage and/or the application of broadband herbicides with scarcely known effects on the soil fauna. We studied a total of 16 commercial vineyards in the Târnave wine region, a typical viticultural region in Transylvania, Central Romania. As a model organism for surface-dwelling arthropods we examined the response of springtail (Collembola) species richness and activity density to vineyard tillage practices, fertilization, and herbicide application. A total of 24 species in 10 families were found in the studied vineyards. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) identified three distinct springtail communities linked to tillage and fertilization practice. Springtail species richness was positively associated with high tillage intensity (frequency: once or twice a year). Springtail activity density in inter-rows was positively correlated with inter-row tillage and herbicide application under grapevines. For the first time we could show that springtail species assemblages in vineyards were characterized by high niche overlap regarding soil quality (organic matter, pH, CaCO3, P and K), indicating similar resource utilization. We conclude that the positive influence of vineyard management and disturbance on surface-dwelling springtail communities is possibly due to the exclusion of potential competitors and predators, the stimulation of microorganisms and/or an increased nutrient input.
Cristina Fiera; Werner Ulrich; Daniela Popescu; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Claudiu-Ioan Bunea; Peter Strauss; Thomas Bauer; Sophie Kratschmer; Silvia Winter; Johann G. Zaller. Tillage intensity and herbicide application influence surface-active springtail (Collembola) communities in Romanian vineyards. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2020, 300, 107006 .
AMA StyleCristina Fiera, Werner Ulrich, Daniela Popescu, Jacob Buchholz, Pascal Querner, Claudiu-Ioan Bunea, Peter Strauss, Thomas Bauer, Sophie Kratschmer, Silvia Winter, Johann G. Zaller. Tillage intensity and herbicide application influence surface-active springtail (Collembola) communities in Romanian vineyards. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2020; 300 ():107006.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Fiera; Werner Ulrich; Daniela Popescu; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Claudiu-Ioan Bunea; Peter Strauss; Thomas Bauer; Sophie Kratschmer; Silvia Winter; Johann G. Zaller. 2020. "Tillage intensity and herbicide application influence surface-active springtail (Collembola) communities in Romanian vineyards." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 300, no. : 107006.
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are currently the most widely used agrochemicals for weed control. Environmental risk assessments (ERA) on nontarget organisms mostly consider the active ingredients (AIs) of these herbicides, while much less is known on effects of commercial GBH formulations that are actually applied in the field. Moreover, it is largely unknown to what extent different soil characteristics alter potential side effects of herbicides. We conducted a greenhouse experiment growing a model weed population of Amaranthus retroflexus in arable field soil with either 3.0 or 4.1% soil organic matter (SOM) content and treated these weeds either with GBHs (Roundup LB Plus, Touchdown Quattro, Roundup PowerFlex) or their respective AIs (isopropylammonium, diammonium or potassium salts of glyphosate) at recommended dosages. Control pots were mechanically weeded. Nontarget effects were assessed on the surface activity of the springtail species Sminthurinus niger (pitfall trapping) and litter decomposition in the soil (teabag approach). Both GBHs and AIs increased the surface activity of springtails compared to control pots; springtail activity was higher under GBHs than under corresponding AIs. Stimulation of springtail activity was much higher in soil with higher SOM content than with low SOM content (significant treatment x SOM interaction). Litter decomposition was unaffected by GBHs, AIs or SOM levels. We suggest that ERAs for pesticides should be performed with actually applied herbicides rather than only on AIs and should also consider influences of different soil properties.
Michael Maderthaner; Maureen Weber; Eszter Takács; Mária Mörtl; Friedrich Leisch; Jörg Römbke; Pascal Querner; Ronnie Walcher; Edith Gruber; András Székács; Johann G. Zaller. Commercial glyphosate-based herbicides effects on springtails (Collembola) differ from those of their respective active ingredients and vary with soil organic matter content. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2020, 27, 17280 -17289.
AMA StyleMichael Maderthaner, Maureen Weber, Eszter Takács, Mária Mörtl, Friedrich Leisch, Jörg Römbke, Pascal Querner, Ronnie Walcher, Edith Gruber, András Székács, Johann G. Zaller. Commercial glyphosate-based herbicides effects on springtails (Collembola) differ from those of their respective active ingredients and vary with soil organic matter content. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2020; 27 (14):17280-17289.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Maderthaner; Maureen Weber; Eszter Takács; Mária Mörtl; Friedrich Leisch; Jörg Römbke; Pascal Querner; Ronnie Walcher; Edith Gruber; András Székács; Johann G. Zaller. 2020. "Commercial glyphosate-based herbicides effects on springtails (Collembola) differ from those of their respective active ingredients and vary with soil organic matter content." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27, no. 14: 17280-17289.
Vineyard inter-rows are important biodiversity hotspots within agricultural landscapes, especially when they are covered with vegetation. However, little is known on the effects to management intensity on a broad range of surface-dwelling invertebrates and their interaction with vegetation. We assessed the diversity and activity density of ants, beetles, millipedes, mites, spiders, springtails and woodlice using pitfall traps in vineyards with either high management intensity (HI) consisting of frequently tilled inter-rows or low management intensity (LO) with alternating tillage in every second inter-row. The study was performed in the Târnave wine region in Central Romania. We wanted to know whether, (i) vineyard management intensity affects the diversity of plants and invertebrates, and (ii) local habitat characteristics affect species richness of different functional guilds and taxa. Species richness of some invertebrate taxa (Coleoptera, Araneae, Formicidae) did significantly differ between HI and LO vineyards. Only phytophages (some Coleoptera) increased in species richness and activity density with vegetation cover. Vineyard soil properties (organic matter content, pH, P, and K) did not significantly differ between HI and LO vineyards. We conclude that vineyard inter-row management can affect both the conservation of biodiversity and the provision of biodiversity-driven ecosystem services.
Cristina Fiera; Werner Ulrich; Daniela Maria Popescu; Claudiu-Ioan Bunea; Minodora Manu; Ioana Nae; Melania Stan; Bálint Markó; István Urák; Andrei Giurginca; Nicole Penke; Silvia Winter; Sophie Kratschmer; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Johann G. Zaller. Effects of vineyard inter-row management on the diversity and abundance of plants and surface-dwelling invertebrates in Central Romania. Journal of Insect Conservation 2020, 24, 175 -185.
AMA StyleCristina Fiera, Werner Ulrich, Daniela Maria Popescu, Claudiu-Ioan Bunea, Minodora Manu, Ioana Nae, Melania Stan, Bálint Markó, István Urák, Andrei Giurginca, Nicole Penke, Silvia Winter, Sophie Kratschmer, Jacob Buchholz, Pascal Querner, Johann G. Zaller. Effects of vineyard inter-row management on the diversity and abundance of plants and surface-dwelling invertebrates in Central Romania. Journal of Insect Conservation. 2020; 24 (1):175-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Fiera; Werner Ulrich; Daniela Maria Popescu; Claudiu-Ioan Bunea; Minodora Manu; Ioana Nae; Melania Stan; Bálint Markó; István Urák; Andrei Giurginca; Nicole Penke; Silvia Winter; Sophie Kratschmer; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Johann G. Zaller. 2020. "Effects of vineyard inter-row management on the diversity and abundance of plants and surface-dwelling invertebrates in Central Romania." Journal of Insect Conservation 24, no. 1: 175-185.
This book is a sound science report about the consequences of pesticides to nature, health and environment. The book shares essential insights into the use of pesticides in agriculture, discusses the politics, rhetoric and profits involved, addresses the potential health and ecological risks of pesticides in our daily lives, and debates possible solutions. Is agriculture without pesticides possible at all? Moreover, the author gives insight into his scientific work, the set-up of the experiments, and also writes about his very own experiences with the media and press after publication of his studies. For many years, Johann G. Zaller, an ecologist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, and his team, have been researching applied chemicals and their effects on the environment. Their findings, together with relevant literature and media reports, are presented in this book, which offers a unique resource for anyone who wants to know the nature and background of pesticides and how we come into contact with them in our daily lives. Ever ate an apple? Read this book!
Johann G. Zaller. Daily Poison. Daily Poison 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleJohann G. Zaller. Daily Poison. Daily Poison. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohann G. Zaller. 2020. "Daily Poison." Daily Poison , no. : 1.
Semi-natural, extensively managed, grasslands are among the most species-rich agroecosystems in Europe. However, they are threatened by abandonment. We investigated the response of semi-natural grasslands to cessation of mowing at ten sites in three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Switzerland and Austria. We assessed vegetation characteristics, topsoil properties and microbially mediated soil processes by comparing once-a-year mowed with adjacent long-term abandoned grasslands on semi-dry, nutrient-poor, base-rich soils. Plant litter decomposition was determined using standardized substrates (Tea Bag Index). Soil microbial community composition was assessed by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Abandonment altered floristic composition by replacing shade-intolerant or low-growing grassland species, in particular character species of the alliance Bromion erecti, with medium- to tall-sized grasses (e.g. Brachypodium pinnatum) and tall herbs (e.g. Laserpitium latifolium). Time since abandonment had an influence on the magnitude of successional changes after abandonment. Cessation of mowing increased above-ground phytomass but decreased plant species richness and evenness. Abandonment increased soil microbial biomass, promoted litter decomposition and led to an increased soil organic carbon, C:N ratio, and inorganic N supply. Our findings also showed that abandoned grasslands dominated by grasses remained shrub- and treeless for several decades.
Andreas Bohner; Johannes Karrer; Ronnie Walcher; David Brandl; Kerstin Michel; Arne Arnberger; Thomas Frank; Johann G. Zaller. Ecological responses of semi-natural grasslands to abandonment: case studies in three mountain regions in the Eastern Alps. Folia Geobotanica 2019, 54, 211 -225.
AMA StyleAndreas Bohner, Johannes Karrer, Ronnie Walcher, David Brandl, Kerstin Michel, Arne Arnberger, Thomas Frank, Johann G. Zaller. Ecological responses of semi-natural grasslands to abandonment: case studies in three mountain regions in the Eastern Alps. Folia Geobotanica. 2019; 54 (3-4):211-225.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndreas Bohner; Johannes Karrer; Ronnie Walcher; David Brandl; Kerstin Michel; Arne Arnberger; Thomas Frank; Johann G. Zaller. 2019. "Ecological responses of semi-natural grasslands to abandonment: case studies in three mountain regions in the Eastern Alps." Folia Geobotanica 54, no. 3-4: 211-225.
Associations between biodiversity, human health and well-being have never been discussed with reference to agriculturally managed, species-rich mountainous meadows. We evaluated these associations between extensively managed (one mowing a year, no fertilization) and abandoned (no mowing since more than 80 years, no fertilization) semi-dry meadows located in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. We quantified the richness and abundance of plants, grasshoppers, true bugs, bumblebees, syrphids and landscape characteristics in the surroundings of the meadows. Associations between these biodiversity attributes and short-term psychological and physiological human health effects were assessed with 22 participants (10 males, 12 females; mean age 27 years). Participants´ pulse rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not affected during visits to managed or abandoned meadows. However, perceived health benefits (e.g., stress reduction, attention restoration) were higher during their stays in managed than in abandoned meadows. Also, the attractiveness of the surrounding landscape and the recreation suitability were rated higher when visiting managed meadows. Perceived naturalness was positively correlated with plant richness and flower cover. A positive correlation was found between SBP and forest cover, but SBP was negatively correlated with the open landscape. A negative association was found between grasshoppers and recreational and landscape perceptions. We suggest to discuss biodiversity attributes not only in connection with agricultural management but also with cultural ecosystem services and health benefits to raise more awareness for multifaceted interrelationships between ecosystems and humans.
Raja Imran Hussain; Ronnie Walcher; Renate Eder; Brigitte Allex; Peter Wallner; Hans-Peter Hutter; Nicole Bauer; Arne Arnberger; Johann G. Zaller; Thomas Frank. Management of mountainous meadows associated with biodiversity attributes, perceived health benefits and cultural ecosystem services. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 1 -9.
AMA StyleRaja Imran Hussain, Ronnie Walcher, Renate Eder, Brigitte Allex, Peter Wallner, Hans-Peter Hutter, Nicole Bauer, Arne Arnberger, Johann G. Zaller, Thomas Frank. Management of mountainous meadows associated with biodiversity attributes, perceived health benefits and cultural ecosystem services. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaja Imran Hussain; Ronnie Walcher; Renate Eder; Brigitte Allex; Peter Wallner; Hans-Peter Hutter; Nicole Bauer; Arne Arnberger; Johann G. Zaller; Thomas Frank. 2019. "Management of mountainous meadows associated with biodiversity attributes, perceived health benefits and cultural ecosystem services." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 1-9.
Ökosysteme setzen sich aus belebten (biotischen) und unbelebten (abiotischen) Komponenten zusammen, die über Ökosystemprozesse miteinander verbunden sind. Hier stehen also Organismen (Pflanzen, Tiere, Mikroorganismen) in Wechselbeziehung mit ihrer Umwelt. Die Wechselbeziehungen zwischen den verschiedenen Komponenten können sich gegenseitig positiv oder negativ beeinflussen (Smith und Smith 2009).
Johann Zaller; Harald Rieder; Herbert Formayer; Josef Eitzinger; Martin Schönhart; Harald Meimberg; Gernot Stöglehner. Ökosysteme, Landnutzung und Biodiversität. Umwelt- und Bioressourcenmanagement für eine nachhaltige Zukunftsgestaltung 2019, 95 -156.
AMA StyleJohann Zaller, Harald Rieder, Herbert Formayer, Josef Eitzinger, Martin Schönhart, Harald Meimberg, Gernot Stöglehner. Ökosysteme, Landnutzung und Biodiversität. Umwelt- und Bioressourcenmanagement für eine nachhaltige Zukunftsgestaltung. 2019; ():95-156.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohann Zaller; Harald Rieder; Herbert Formayer; Josef Eitzinger; Martin Schönhart; Harald Meimberg; Gernot Stöglehner. 2019. "Ökosysteme, Landnutzung und Biodiversität." Umwelt- und Bioressourcenmanagement für eine nachhaltige Zukunftsgestaltung , no. : 95-156.
Land use at landscape and field scales can increase the diversity and abundance of natural enemies for pest control. In this study, we investigated interactions between landscape elements (semi-natural vegetation, olive orchards, vineyards, other agricultural areas) and inter-row management (vegetation cover vs. bare soil) in relation to arthropod populations in Andalusian vineyards. Arthropods were collected from grapevine foliage in 15 vineyards using suction sampling. Landscape structure was analyzed within a 750 m radius surrounding the studied vineyards. Arthropods were categorized into functional groups (predators, parasitoids, herbivores), and their responses to the most influencing factors were analyzed by likelihood methods and model selection. Of the total of 650 arthropods collected, 48% were predators, 33% herbivores and 19% parasitoids. Numbers of predatory aeolothrips, parasitoids and herbivorous cicadas in the study vineyards decreased with an increased proportion of vineyards in the surroundings. Spider populations in vineyards increased with increasing proportions of other agricultural fields (non-flowering crops) in the surroundings. Semi-natural elements and olive orchards had no influence on the abundance of collected arthropods. We observed synergistic effects between landscape elements and inter-row management. The total numbers of arthropods, herbivores and parasitoids in vineyards benefitted from inter-row vegetation, while spiders benefitted from bare soil. Our findings underline the importance of both surrounding landscape elements and vineyard ground cover management to promote beneficial arthropods for potential natural pest control.
Christine Judt; Gema Guzmán; José A. Gómez; José M. Cabezas; José A. Entrenas; Silvia Winter; Johann G. Zaller; Daniel Paredes; Judt. Diverging Effects of Landscape Factors and Inter-Row Management on the Abundance of Beneficial and Herbivorous Arthropods in Andalusian Vineyards (Spain). Insects 2019, 10, 320 .
AMA StyleChristine Judt, Gema Guzmán, José A. Gómez, José M. Cabezas, José A. Entrenas, Silvia Winter, Johann G. Zaller, Daniel Paredes, Judt. Diverging Effects of Landscape Factors and Inter-Row Management on the Abundance of Beneficial and Herbivorous Arthropods in Andalusian Vineyards (Spain). Insects. 2019; 10 (10):320.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristine Judt; Gema Guzmán; José A. Gómez; José M. Cabezas; José A. Entrenas; Silvia Winter; Johann G. Zaller; Daniel Paredes; Judt. 2019. "Diverging Effects of Landscape Factors and Inter-Row Management on the Abundance of Beneficial and Herbivorous Arthropods in Andalusian Vineyards (Spain)." Insects 10, no. 10: 320.
Traditionally managed mountain grasslands are biodiversity hotspots in central Europe. However, socio-economic trends in agriculture during the last decades have changed farming practices, leaving steep and remote sites abandoned. Especially the abandonment of meadows is well known to directly affect plant and insect diversity. However, not much is known about the effects on soil processes and soil biota. To assess this, we studied four extensively managed (mown once a year, no fertilization) and four abandoned (no mowing, no fertilization) semi-dry meadows in a mountain region in Austria. Plant species richness, plant cover, plant traits, plant biomass, litter decomposition (tea bag index), and earthworm species richness and density were assessed. Additionally, soil temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity were measured. Results showed that managed meadows contained more plant species than abandoned meadows (118 vs. 93 species, respectively). We also observed different plant species assemblages between the two management types. In managed meadows, hemirosette and ruderal plant species were more abundant, while more plant species without rosettes and a higher plant necromass were found in abandoned meadows. Additionally, decomposition rate was higher in abandoned meadows. There was a trend towards higher earthworm densities in managed meadows, but there was no difference in earthworm species richness. We conclude that meadow management has effects on both aboveground vegetation and belowground biota and processes. Both abandoned and extensively managed meadows were important to sustain overall biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the study region.
Ines Jernej; Andreas Bohner; Ronnie Walcher; Raja Imran Hussain; Arne Arnberger; Johann G. Zaller; Thomas Frank. Impact of land-use change in mountain semi-dry meadows on plants, litter decomposition and earthworms. Web Ecology 2019, 19, 53 -63.
AMA StyleInes Jernej, Andreas Bohner, Ronnie Walcher, Raja Imran Hussain, Arne Arnberger, Johann G. Zaller, Thomas Frank. Impact of land-use change in mountain semi-dry meadows on plants, litter decomposition and earthworms. Web Ecology. 2019; 19 (2):53-63.
Chicago/Turabian StyleInes Jernej; Andreas Bohner; Ronnie Walcher; Raja Imran Hussain; Arne Arnberger; Johann G. Zaller; Thomas Frank. 2019. "Impact of land-use change in mountain semi-dry meadows on plants, litter decomposition and earthworms." Web Ecology 19, no. 2: 53-63.
Editorial: Non-target Effects of Pesticides on Organisms Inhabiting Agroecosystems
Johann Zaller; Carsten A. Brühl. Editorial: Non-target Effects of Pesticides on Organisms Inhabiting Agroecosystems. Frontiers in Environmental Science 2019, 7, 1 .
AMA StyleJohann Zaller, Carsten A. Brühl. Editorial: Non-target Effects of Pesticides on Organisms Inhabiting Agroecosystems. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2019; 7 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohann Zaller; Carsten A. Brühl. 2019. "Editorial: Non-target Effects of Pesticides on Organisms Inhabiting Agroecosystems." Frontiers in Environmental Science 7, no. : 1.
Interactions between predatory species and their potential prey are little studied in vineyards, especially considering the surrounding landscape structure. We examined the effects of soil tillage intensities in vineyard inter-rows on the activity density and diversity of spiders (Araneae) and springtails (Collembola), their potential preys, and assessed whether these effects are altered by non-crop elements in the surrounding landscape. We collected data in 16 vineyards in Austria; eight were periodically mechanically disturbed (PMD), eight had permanent green cover (PGC). The study vineyards were embedded in landscapes ranging from structurally simple to complex. Both, spiders and springtails were collected with pitfall traps. Data analyses using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) showed different effects of soil tillage intensities on spiders and springtails and an interaction with semi-natural elements (SNEs) in the surrounding landscape. Activities of springtails were higher under PMD than under PGC while spider activity density remained unaffected. Spider family Shannon diversity was lower under PMD than under PGC, while springtail species Shannon diversity was unaffected by tillage. Under PMD, spider activity and family diversity decreased with increasing SNEs in the surroundings indicating spider emigration away from vineyards. Under PGC, spider activity density increased with increasing SNE proportions in the surroundings when springtail activity density was high. Our findings suggest that recommendations on sustainable vineyard management should include both site and landscape factors.
Alexandra Pfingstmann; Daniel Paredes; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Thomas Bauer; Peter Strauss; Sophie Kratschmer; Silvia Winter; Johann Zaller. Contrasting Effects of Tillage and Landscape Structure on Spiders and Springtails in Vineyards. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2095 .
AMA StyleAlexandra Pfingstmann, Daniel Paredes, Jacob Buchholz, Pascal Querner, Thomas Bauer, Peter Strauss, Sophie Kratschmer, Silvia Winter, Johann Zaller. Contrasting Effects of Tillage and Landscape Structure on Spiders and Springtails in Vineyards. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (7):2095.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra Pfingstmann; Daniel Paredes; Jacob Buchholz; Pascal Querner; Thomas Bauer; Peter Strauss; Sophie Kratschmer; Silvia Winter; Johann Zaller. 2019. "Contrasting Effects of Tillage and Landscape Structure on Spiders and Springtails in Vineyards." Sustainability 11, no. 7: 2095.
Agricultural intensification is a major driver of wild bee decline. Vineyards may be inhabited by plant and animal species, especially when the inter‐row space is vegetated with spontaneous vegetation or cover crops. Wild bees depend on floral resources and suitable nesting sites which may be found in vineyard inter‐rows or in viticultural landscapes. Inter‐row vegetation is managed by mulching, tillage, and/or herbicide application and results in habitat degradation when applied intensively. Here, we hypothesize that lower vegetation management intensities, higher floral resources, and landscape diversity affect wild bee diversity and abundance dependent on their functional traits. We sampled wild bees semi‐quantitatively in 63 vineyards representing different vegetation management intensities across Europe in 2016. A proxy for floral resource availability was based on visual flower cover estimations. Management intensity was assessed by vegetation cover (%) twice a year per vineyard. The Shannon Landscape Diversity Index was used as a proxy for landscape diversity within a 750 m radius around each vineyard center point. Wild bee communities were clustered by country. At the country level, between 20 and 64 wild bee species were identified. Increased floral resource availability and extensive vegetation management both affected wild bee diversity and abundance in vineyards strongly positively. Increased landscape diversity had a small positive effect on wild bee diversity but compensated for the negative effect of low floral resource availability by increasing eusocial bee abundance. We conclude that wild bee diversity and abundance in vineyards is efficiently promoted by increasing floral resources and reducing vegetation management frequency. High landscape diversity further compensates for low floral resources in vineyards and increases pollinating insect abundance in viticulture landscapes.
Sophie Kratschmer; Bärbel Pachinger; Martina Schwantzer; Daniel Paredes; Gema Guzmán; José A. Goméz; José A. Entrenas; Muriel Guernion; Françoise Burel; Annegret Nicolai; Albin Fertil; Daniela Maria Popescu; Laura Macavei; Adela Hoble; Claudiu Bunea; Monika Kriechbaum; Johann G. Zaller; Silvia Winter. Response of wild bee diversity, abundance, and functional traits to vineyard inter‐row management intensity and landscape diversity across Europe. Ecology and Evolution 2019, 9, 4103 -4115.
AMA StyleSophie Kratschmer, Bärbel Pachinger, Martina Schwantzer, Daniel Paredes, Gema Guzmán, José A. Goméz, José A. Entrenas, Muriel Guernion, Françoise Burel, Annegret Nicolai, Albin Fertil, Daniela Maria Popescu, Laura Macavei, Adela Hoble, Claudiu Bunea, Monika Kriechbaum, Johann G. Zaller, Silvia Winter. Response of wild bee diversity, abundance, and functional traits to vineyard inter‐row management intensity and landscape diversity across Europe. Ecology and Evolution. 2019; 9 (7):4103-4115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSophie Kratschmer; Bärbel Pachinger; Martina Schwantzer; Daniel Paredes; Gema Guzmán; José A. Goméz; José A. Entrenas; Muriel Guernion; Françoise Burel; Annegret Nicolai; Albin Fertil; Daniela Maria Popescu; Laura Macavei; Adela Hoble; Claudiu Bunea; Monika Kriechbaum; Johann G. Zaller; Silvia Winter. 2019. "Response of wild bee diversity, abundance, and functional traits to vineyard inter‐row management intensity and landscape diversity across Europe." Ecology and Evolution 9, no. 7: 4103-4115.
The herbicide Roundup (and glyphosate, its active ingredient) is extensively used for weed control on a worldwide scale. It is absorbed after foliar application and quickly translocated inside the plant. In this study, we investigated the effects of Roundup speed, a commercial glyphosate formulation, on the structural composition (dominance of microbial groups, phospholipid fatty acid analysis - PLFA) and functional diversity (use of carbon sources, Multiple Substrate Induced Respiration - MSIR) of soil microorganisms. We specifically aimed at understanding the potential impact of biotic interactions on herbicide effects and included plants, earthworms, and endomycorrhizal fungi in the experimental setup. For this, we grew clover (Trifolium repens) in the greenhouse and added mycorrhizal inoculum (Glomus mosseae) and earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) to the pots. Two weeks after foliar Roundup application and subsequent plant death, the pots were destructively sampled. The application resulted in a significant increase of microbial respiration (SIR) by approximately 30%. A multivariate analysis of the MSIR data exhibited small but significant differences between the microbial communities of treated and untreated pots, while no significant difference was apparent for the PLFA data. Bacterial PLFAs generally decreased following herbicide application, while mycorrhizal and fungal PLFAs were not affected. We did not find a consistent difference between the fatty acid markers of gram negative and gram positive bacteria. For all investigated parameters, there were highly significant differences between the upper (0–5 cm depth) and lower (5–10 cm) soil layers. The fact that rooting density differed by a factor of 3.5 between the two layers indicated that herbicide effects were especially pronounced in the clover rhizosphere and were likely due to changes in root exudate composition. We found significant, though very small, interactions between Roundup and other experimental factors (especially mycorrhizal inoculum).
Alexander Bruckner; Alina Schmerbauch; Liliane Ruess; Florian Heigl; Johann Zaller. Foliar Roundup application has minor effects on the compositional and functional diversity of soil microorganisms in a short-term greenhouse experiment. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2019, 174, 506 -513.
AMA StyleAlexander Bruckner, Alina Schmerbauch, Liliane Ruess, Florian Heigl, Johann Zaller. Foliar Roundup application has minor effects on the compositional and functional diversity of soil microorganisms in a short-term greenhouse experiment. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2019; 174 ():506-513.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexander Bruckner; Alina Schmerbauch; Liliane Ruess; Florian Heigl; Johann Zaller. 2019. "Foliar Roundup application has minor effects on the compositional and functional diversity of soil microorganisms in a short-term greenhouse experiment." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 174, no. : 506-513.
The Spanish Slug (Arion vulgaris, formerly known as Arion lusitanicus) is an invasive agricultural and horticultural pest species that causes great damages all over Europe. Numerous options to control this slug are on the market; among the most commonly used are slug pellets containing the active ingredients metaldehyde or iron-III-phosphate and the application of parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita). These control measures potentially also affect non-target organisms like earthworms (Lumbricidae), which themselves can directly and/or indirectly alter a plant’s susceptibility against slug herbivory. Also, the efficacy of slug control treatments is expected to be influenced by watering. In a greenhouse experiment we investigated the influence of daily watering vs. every third day watering on slug control efficacy and potential interactions with earthworms. We found significant interactions between watering and slug control efficacy. Slug herbivory and biomass decreased after application of slug pellets; metaldehyde was more effective under less frequent watering while iron-III-phosphate was unaffected by watering. Parasitic nematodes had no effect on slug herbivory and biomass production. Earthworm activity was reduced with less frequent watering but did not interact with slug control. We conclude that watering patterns should be considered when choosing slug control measures.
Daniel Dörler; Agnes Scheucher; Johann G. Zaller. Efficacy of chemical and biological slug control measures in response to watering and earthworms. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 2954 .
AMA StyleDaniel Dörler, Agnes Scheucher, Johann G. Zaller. Efficacy of chemical and biological slug control measures in response to watering and earthworms. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):2954.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Dörler; Agnes Scheucher; Johann G. Zaller. 2019. "Efficacy of chemical and biological slug control measures in response to watering and earthworms." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 2954.
Transition from bare soil to temporary cover crop-based soil management has been promoted for at least two decades in vineyards in southern Spain. However, there is limited field evaluation of its impact at commercial vineyard level. Our study evaluates the impact of these two soil managements in sixteen commercial vineyards in Southern Spain. Selected soil physical, chemical and biological properties were measured in a representative inter-row of each vineyard during 2015-2016. Overall, the temporary cover crop vineyard presented a significant improvement in soil organic carbon content and aggregate stability in comparison to the bare soil vineyards, 73 and 29% respectively, as well as presenting more diverse plant communities. Nevertheless, there was a large variability among vineyards that preclude the identification of other impacts and differences among the different kind of temporary cover crops followed by the winegrowers. A refined analysis concentrated in the eleven vineyards on more calcareous soils distinguishing among bare soil, spontaneous cover crop of low biomass production, spontaneous cover crop of high biomass production and barley cover crop of high biomass production was performed. It resulted in a larger improvement in soil properties in the vineyards having a spontaneous cover crop of high biomass production followed by the ones having a cover crop with barley. It also showed how the spontaneous cover crop of low biomass production presented a moderate or negligible improvement in soil properties as compared to the bare soil vineyards. In general terms, the best strategy seemed to be the vineyards with spontaneous cover crops that were able to achieve a high biomass production, above 0.91 t ha−1 per year, which also presented a high plant diversity. Our results indicate the need for a proper evaluation of the impact of cover crop-based management based on vineyard assessment of soil properties and their relation with driving variables, as in our case biomass production and composition of the cover crops.
G. Guzmán; José Manuel Cabezas; R. Sánchez-Cuesta; Á. Lora; T. Bauer; Peter Strauss; S. Winter; J.G. Zaller; J.A. Gómez. A field evaluation of the impact of temporary cover crops on soil properties and vegetation communities in southern Spain vineyards. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2018, 272, 135 -145.
AMA StyleG. Guzmán, José Manuel Cabezas, R. Sánchez-Cuesta, Á. Lora, T. Bauer, Peter Strauss, S. Winter, J.G. Zaller, J.A. Gómez. A field evaluation of the impact of temporary cover crops on soil properties and vegetation communities in southern Spain vineyards. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2018; 272 ():135-145.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Guzmán; José Manuel Cabezas; R. Sánchez-Cuesta; Á. Lora; T. Bauer; Peter Strauss; S. Winter; J.G. Zaller; J.A. Gómez. 2018. "A field evaluation of the impact of temporary cover crops on soil properties and vegetation communities in southern Spain vineyards." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 272, no. : 135-145.