Arthropod abundances from roadside mowing experiments (Darmstadt, BioDivKultur, 2023)

Arthropod abundances and mowing treatment data. Mowing experiments conducted in and around Darmstadt along 7 roadside verges, 2023. Collection of arthropods using suction sampling (biocoenometer). Treatments: three different mowers and corresponding refuges. Mowers: a conventional roadside flail mulcher used by the municipal company (Dücker DUA800), a potentially “insect-friendly” roadside eco mower (Mulag ECO1200 plus), and a string trimmer (Stihl FSA90 battery-powered). The present study compared the direct influence of three different mowers on arthropod densities in roadside verges: a conventional roadside flail mulcher, a roadside “eco mower”, and a string trimmer. Additionally, we sampled an unmown area directly adjacent to each mown area to study the impact of refuges and of including a scare device in front of the “eco mower”.