Preventive measures of crop protection in arable crops – a synthesis with a focus on arthropod conservation

Abstract

Beneficial arthropods and their promotion are part of the concept of integrated pest management (IPM). Numerous agricultural practices effect beneficial arthropods, also those which are applied as preventive plant protection measures. In a literature review we searched for effects of measures, such as crop rotation, cover crops and under sowing, soil cultivation, Nitrogen fertilization, adapted sowing dates and crop densities on the promotion of arthropods or their conservation. Structural diversity as well as the intensity of disturbance by soil cultivation are important elements for the enhancement of beneficial arthropods. Increased structural diversity through management provide hiding places and habitats for arthropods. A small-scale diversified crop rotation in the landscape allows arthropods to migrate to adjacent fields in case of disturbance by cultural measures. In-field measures for biodiversity offer food and hiding places. The conditions in the field need to be adapted to ensure that arthropods can survive in the agricultural landscapes.