Overall, the loss of grassland in favor of farmland throughout the Midwest has resulted in a loss of wildlife diversity. But recent research from the University of Illinois has shown that the soybean fields that abound throughout the region actually attract nesting birds.
Soybeans are regularly produced using no-till farming, a type of farming that rejects the typical practice of cultivation to reduce weeds and loosen the soil before planting. This makes the fields more attractive to grassland birds.
What was surprising to researchers was just how much birds actually used the fields, and the specific species that were found nesting in them. In particular, several species that are considered “of conservation interest” were found nesting in the no-till fields, including the dickcissel, the eastern meadowlark, and the upland sandpiper. This suggests that some bird species have adapted well to the changing landscape and that no-till fields could be a tool in efforts to preserve them.
Unfortunately, despite their comfort in no-till fields, the birds still experienced high nest loss due to farm machinery used in planting. If farmers waited until June 1 to begin planting, most of the nests would have been spared. But soybeans have a higher yield when they’re planted early, so in recent years farmers have already planted 66 percent of the crop by the end of May.
Clearly, it’s a difficult situation – farmers must protect their yield, and birds need safe places to nest. But the researchers suggest conservationists and farmers may be able to work together to capitalize on the benefits of no-till farming and create sustainable solutions that work for all.
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No-Till Farming Is Even Better for Wildlife Than Thought
Photo, taken June 3, 2013, courtesy of USDA NRCS South Dakota via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.