Effects of unsown patches in autumn-sown fields on Skylark territory densities

摘要: Intensified cultivation of farmland is widely recognized to act negatively on many organisms, including birds as the Skylark (Alauda arvensis). During last decades, this species has been showing a population decline about 50-75 percent in northwestern Europe, Sweden. One important factor that considered be key driver switch from spring- autumn-sowing cereals. This change farming practice shown reduce food availability for skylarks and other rely crop fields foraging nesting. To improve situation, skylark plots (SPs), i.e. small (16-20 m2) unsown patches within winter cereal crops, have developed Great Britain during decade. The idea with SPs make it easier forage, since sparser vegetation makes find (i.e. invertebrates). From method work well, increasing breeding success skylarks. However, extent by which contribute opportunities Swedish arable unknown. There are structural differences agricultural landscapes Sweden Britain, higher relative proportion spring sown cereals might indicate lower positive effect when applied Sweden, high (sparser vegetation) possible anyway. Thus study if before applying huge scale.