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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405852
Research Project: Sustainable Small Farm and Organic Grass and Forage Production Systems for Livestock and Agroforestry

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: Assessing pollinator seed mix plantings for the presence of undesirable plant species in livestock pasture system

Author
item ACHARYA, ROSHANI - University Of Arkansas
item Burke, Joan
item JOSHI, NEELENDRA - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2023
Publication Date: 6/13/2024
Citation: Acharya, R.S., Burke, J.M., Joshi, N.K. 2024. Assessing pollinator seed mix plantings for the presence of undesirable plant species in livestock pasture system. Journal of Entomological Science. https://doi.org/10.18474/JES23-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18474/JES23-56

Interpretive Summary: Pollinators require a diverse array of perennial native forages that can be incorporated in livestock pastures, but little is known about the effect of grazing practices on the pasture ecosystem. Collaborators from the USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Arkansas determined that there are challenges in establishing and maintaining native forages in a pasture system since sheep prefer to consume forages at the time they flower, competing with needs of pollinators. This enabled scientists to understand that pollinator habitat may be better adjacent to grazing pastures to allow for sufficient floral resources for pollinators which is important to entomologists, food scientists, environmentalists and ecologists.

Technical Abstract: Pollinators require a variety of food resources during their developmental stages, and reducing the diversity of flowering plants can negatively impact the diversity of pollinators. In livestock pastures, grazing can alter pollinator habitats, hinder nesting sites, and reduce vegetation that provides nectar to pollinators. Growing a mixture of native wildflowers in livestock pastures can enhance the pollinator communities by providing diverse forage resources throughout the season. Additionally, enhancing landscape heterogeneity and improving the quality of semi-natural habitats can promote diversity and conservation of pollinators. This study aimed to assess the establishment rate of two types of seed mixes comprising native forbs, legumes, and grasses, including warm season grasses, commonly used for developing pollinator habitat in livestock pastures. The establishment of desirable species was variable, with undesirable species and weeds comprising a significant portion of the plant community. The study highlights the challenges of establishing sustainable pasture systems that support pollinator habitat, but provides valuable information on flowering forage species that could thrive in Southeastern USA livestock pastures.