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Research project:
Biofuel Impact on Biodiversity

Researchers: Mary Gardiner (post-doc), Lauren Bailey (research assistant)

The goal of this project is to compare the sustainability of bioenergy crops which range from annual exotic monocultures to native perennial polycultures.  We are interested in understanding the diversity and abundance of beneficial insects and their services supported by three potential bioenergy crops: corn, switchgrass, and native prairie.  We have selected 30 sites (10 of each crop treatment) across southern Michigan. Within each treatment sites are situated within a range of landscapes from structurally simple and dominated by agricultural lands to complex with a diversity of crop and non-crop habitats.  In summer 2008 we measured the diversity and abundance of predatory insects, pollinators, and biocontrol services within these sites.  Biocontrol services were measured by placing insect eggs into each crop treatment for 48 h and determining the amount of predation incurred. We are currently processing data from our first field season.  Preliminary results show that the diversity and abundance of both predators (Coccinellidae) and native pollinators is greatest in native prairie (corn < switchgrass < prairie).  The supply of biocontrol services is not as clear cut.  Early in the season, biological control was greatest in native prairie, however later in the season we did not see a difference in the amount of biocontrol services supplied to the three crops.  This project is part of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, one of three Department of Energy funded bioenergy centers in the U.S.