Bioenergy Crop Production: Implications for Grassland Bird Communities in Southwestern Nebraska

Authors

Grace E. Schuster, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Andrew R. Little

Committee Members

Christopher Chizinski, Larkin Powell, Robert Mitchell, Karina Schoengold

Date of this Version

7-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Natural Resource Sciences (Applied Ecology)

Under the supervision of Professor Andrew R. Little

Lincoln, Nebraska, August 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, Grace E. Schuster. Used by permission

Abstract

Biofuel and bioenergy systems are components of most climate stabilization pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Currently, corn (Zea mays) is the predominant feedstock used for bioenergy production in the United States. However, widespread production of this monoculture crop has resulted in many negative environmental impacts. The most notorious impact has been the loss of grassland habitat due to agriculture expansion which has had detrimental effects on wildlife that depend on grassland habitat. One such group, grassland birds, has faced steeper, more consistent, and more widespread declines than any other avian guild. Therefore, strategies to protect this imperiled group are of great importance to conservation managers within the Great Plains. Producing Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and other perennial grasslands as a bioenergy feedstock is one strategy that could increase grassland habitat and support renewable fuel goals. Among its many ecological benefits, bioenergy perennial grasslands have the capacity to support avian communities. However, in field characteristics and landscape context may influence the suitability of these grassland as avian habitat. We used traditional methods (i.e. point count surveys) and innovative technology (i.e. passive acoustic monitoring) to assess avian populations in perennial grasslands and croplands in southwestern Nebraska in 2021-2023. This research indicates that perennial grasslands support greater overall avian species richness, including higher richness of grassland obligates and species of conservation concern, compared to croplands. Also, integrating bioenergy grasslands on marginal agricultural lands can connect existing grassland patches, expand habitat and benefit area-sensitive bird species. The use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) offered a more comprehensive understanding of avian use of perennial grasslands, and we developed an effective method for analyzing acoustic data to draw reliable ecological conclusions. Qualitative interviews were conducted to identify themes that would inform the development of educational materials and conservation messaging aimed at promoting conservation actions. This study demonstrates that it is possible to protect threatened wildlife species and support human needs simultaneously, fostering a more holistic agriculture landscape for future generations.

Advisor: Andrew R. Little