Influence of Seeding Strategy on Insect Communities Within Utility Lands

Abstract

Pollinator populations are in decline globally due to anthropogenic changes, particularly in areas affected by agricultural expansion and urbanization. Utility lands - managed to prevent tall vegetation encroachment - represent an opportunity to establish native grasslands and support pollinator communities. This study investigates how different seeding strategies used by utility companies influence pollinator community composition within a 15-acre electric right-of-way (ROW) outside St. Louis, Illinois. Despite the logical benefits of native seeding to pollinators, utility companies are often hesitant to do this, often favoring seeding to turf. Seeded in late 2021, the site incorporates randomized plots with turfgrass seeding (no restoration), native seeding (active restoration), and unseeded areas (passive restoration). Insect sampling was conducted via flower netting within standardized optimal pollinator conditions. Our analyses revealed significant effects of both seeding strategy and survey months on pollinator composition, with a strong correlation between pollinator and flower composition. Native-seeded plots exhibited sustained high diversity and abundance, underlining their significance for pollinator habitats. In contrast, turf and unseeded plots had low pollinator abundance and diversity, illustrating their poor ability to support pollinators. We also found significant influences of seeding strategies on plant-insect interaction networks. These results advocate for strategies that promote native vegetation and their flowering to conserve vital insect populations and the ecosystem services they provide.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Scott J. Meiners (Supervisor)