Testing trophic-functional relationships for modelling farmland diversity and functional dynamics

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The aim of this proposal is to test whether the specification devised by Hawes et al. 2003 and Bohan et al. (submitted), for trophic models can predict weed and invertebrate abundance dynamics. Initially, we will develop arable ecosystem models using a novel approach based on functional groups of plants and invertebrates, parameterised using a subset of the extensive FSE data-sets. We will then test the models using the remaining FSE data, other laboratory and field data and experimental data gathered during the project at six sites at the two institutes involved in this work. Objectives: 1. To develop a generic model of arable plant and invertebrate functional diversity; 1.1. establish objective functional groups which explain most variation in the effects of management practices; 1.2. parameterise plant and invertebrate functional groups on the basis of resource capture and life-history characteristics; 1.3. include system-scale properties such as energy fluxes; 2. To predict, for testing, the likely impacts of changes in management practice on arable ecosystem dynamics; 2.1. simulate a range of herbicide management options to predict impacts on ecosystem dynamics and structure, such as shifts from herbivore to detritivore dominated systems; 2.2. identify management scenarios that can be used to optimise functional dynamics of the objective functional groups defined in 1., including a balance between crop production and the food web; 2.3. "prove the concept" that the model is generalised and can be used to predict the effects of novel management systems on arable ecosystem dynamics; 3. To validate the model against independently sampled field data for deployment as a predictive decision-making tool. 3.1. establish a set of test sites having defined management and measure functional groups over three years; 3.2. validate the model against shifts in functional groups and system-scale properties.

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