Sustainability of the nation’s bioenergy feedstock production relies on selection and placement of energy crops that efficiently generate biomass without compromising existing agricultural systems. Pest and beneficial arthropods (e.g., pollinators, predators) will occur in these feedstock crops, but the effect of habitat utilization is unknown, as there is little experience with expansive monocultures of biofuel crops. This research will advance knowledge of risks or benefits from placing large biofuel crop monocultures into established agricultural landscapes. Furthermore, the methods developed will be directly transferrable to any other energy crop planted.
USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011-67009-3014