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Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
University of Kentucky Master's Theses
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native warm-season grass, has been investigated as a renewable energy crop that may provide viable wildlife habitat. This study investigated small mammal populations in switchgrass, hay, and corn to assess the relative habitat quality. Four, three-night trapping sessions were conducted at four locations in Kentucky using Sherman livetraps. Trapping occurred in spring (before first hay harvest), summer, fall (before switchgrass and corn harvest), and winter (post-harvest). Relative abundance of small mammals, calculated using a capture per unit effort index (per 100 trapnights), and mean taxonomic richness were used to compare habitats. Switchgrass had a …