Winter sampling of insect populations in organic and conventionally managed areas: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

Four areas in the Horticultural Research Area, Lincoln College, Canterbury, were examined from 18 April, 1989, to 11 August, 1989, for the presence and activity of arthropods by using pitfall trapping methods. The areas were an organically managed apple (Malus sp.) orchard, a conventionally managed apple orchard, an area of organically managed bare soil, and an area of conventionally managed bare soil. The conventionally managed areas were subjected to chemical treatments for pests whereas the organic areas were not. It was found that the organic orchard showed the greatest species diversity, species number, and species evenness over the winter period compared with the other areas. When comparing the two areas of bare soil, it was concluded that the soil under organic production practices had a greater arthropod species diversity and number of species present compared with the soil under conventional management. The difference in diversities between these two areas was not as great as between the two orchard situations, probably because the bare soil areas were comparably more uniform.