AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS ON AERIAL INSECTIVORES AND FARMLAND BIRDS
NEONICOTINOIDS AND OTHER AGROCHEMICALS IN PRAIRIE WETLANDS
Shifts in agriculture toward large-scale production, mechanization and mono-cropping have seen exponential growth in chemical inputs designed for improved crop yields. Current agricultural practices are highly dependent on pesticide use. Neonicotinoids are valued for their versatility in application, most are used as seed treatments on major Prairie crops such as canola (oilseed rape). In Canada’s Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), this is problematic as prime agricultural land is directly adjacent to ecologically important freshwater wetlands. We currently have a comprehensive set projects investigating potential impacts of neonicotinoids and other agrochemicals on Prairie wetland ecosystems using lab, semi-field (limnocorral), and field studies.