ASSIST large scale field experiment aphid and predator data from hand searching of wheat and spring barley
This data describes a replicated field scale experiment undertaken on 18 arable farms in S. England as part of the ASSIST (Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Systems) project. The goals of this study were to look at practical approaches to promoting biodiversity and associated ecosystem services including pollination, soil health and natural pest control. Fifteen replicated sites (farms run by a single individual) were established in 2017 (monitored annually in 2018-2021) and a further three sites in 2018 (monitored 2019-2021). On each site three fields were selected, these represent the treatment level replicates. On these fields we established three system level treatments of: 1) control with typical conventional arable agricultural management; 2) Enhancement of biodiversity using targeted wild flower sown field margins and the use of cover crops sown before spring crops to support soil health; 3) Enhancement of biodiversity using targeted wild flower sown field margins, sown in-field strips, the application of organic matter (manure or green composted waste) and the use of cover crops sown before spring crops. All sites were allowed to have their typical rotations and farm management, but these were kept consistent for the three fields within a site. Management was conventional and would involve the use of agro-chemicals. This data set reports hand searching of wheat and spring barley crops (where present in a rotation) to quantify the presence of insect pests (e.g. aphids) and predators (e.g. Syrphidae larvae). This was undertaken at replicated points along a spatial sampling grid established on each field as well as in the field margins and infield strips. Sampling was undertaken from 2018-2021. This dataset is due to be available in Spring 2023. Data acquisition was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) under research programme NE/N018125/1 ASSIST – Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Systems www.assist.ceh.ac.uk. ASSIST is an initiative jointly supported by NERC and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).