Monday, October 5, 2026
Science

Unmowed strips attract insects, but many abandon partially mowed dikes

Municipalities are increasingly mowing dikes and verges in stages, so that insects can make longer use of the plants growing there. Mowing is essential to keep a dike strong, explains ecologist Constant Swinkels of Radboud University. "If you don't mow, trees or sturdy shrubs such as blackberries ma...

Unmowed strips attract insects, but many abandon partially mowed dikes
Image: Phys.org
Municipalities are increasingly mowing dikes and verges in stages, so that insects can make longer use of the plants growing there. Mowing is essential to keep a dike strong, explains ecologist Constant Swinkels of Radboud University. "If you don't mow, trees or sturdy shrubs such as blackberries may start to grow. You don't want that, because their roots are so thick that they can cause dikes to collapse."

Originally published at Phys.org

The Morning Briefing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Be the first to receive the latest news, market analysis and updates — delivered straight to your inbox.