The Influence of Seed Mix and Management on the Performance and Persistence of Sown Forbs in Buffer Strips

A popular option under agri-environmental schemes throughout Europe has been the introduction of buffer strips adjacent to field boundaries. Buffer strips are usually established using grass-only seed mixes, or through natural regeneration. As a consequence, their
function and biodiversity value might be limited due to a low presence of desirable forb species. Given the financial barrier of using forb-rich seed mixes, there is a need to identify species that establish reliably in parallel with management options that encourage their
persistence. In a 5-year study across three different sites we investigated the responses of 32 different
forb species sown in two different grass-based seed mixes tailored to soil type. Generally, there was an increase in sown forb cover with time, and this effect was greatest in plots sown with fine-grasses treated with an application of graminicide or an annual cut. We
have identified a suite of ten forb species that are likely to establish and persist in buffer strip habitats.