Options for wide scale enhancement of grassland biodiversity under the Entry Level Scheme

Permanent grasslands receiving low fertiliser inputs account for the largest area of land managed under the agri-environment schemes. However, it is likely they currently provide minimal benefits for biodiversity or ecosystem services. In 2008 a multi-factorial experiment was established to develop simple, low cost options to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services for grassland. Factors investigated were seed mixture composition (grass, grass+legume, grass+legume+forb), seed bed preparation (minimal cultivation vs conventional ploughing), and the type (cut vs grazed) and intensity (typical vs summer rested) of management. There were large differences in the composition of the plant community between different seed mixtures. Deep cultivation significantly increased cover of non-leguminous forbs. Cutting increased cover of legumes and non-legumes compared with grazing. Abundance and diversity of pollinators was lowest in the grass only seed mix. Grazing had a negative effect on pollinators compared with cutting. Finally, reducing intensity of cutting or grazing enhanced pollinator diversity.