Effects of red clover living mulch on arthropod communities and bell pepper yield

Although red clover (Trifolium pratense) is commonly used as cover crop, its value as living mulch to draw in wild bees and promote natural enemies has not yet been extensively researched. Field work was conducted in Western Maryland to determine the influence of red clover on arthropod communities. The diversity and abundance of arthropod functional groups found in plots of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) with and without red clover living mulch strips were compared. Pollinators, herbivores, and natural enemies were especially surveyed. Also, the bell pepper was analyzed for damage and overall yield. While more peppers in the red clover treatments had stink bug damage, more peppers without the clover had European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) damage. Red clover effectively promoted a diverse assemblage of pollinators, especially bumble bees (Bombus spp.) and skippers, to the plots.  However, the effects of red clover on bell pepper pollination could not be assessed because pollinators hardly visited the pepper flowers during sampling periods. The findings from this study can inform local farmers about possible ecological benefits of using red clover as a cover crop.  This can assist them in making decisions about the economic trade-offs of growing red clover.