Small-Mammal Use of an Experimental Strip Intercropping System in Northeastern Iowa

Small-mammal use of an experimental strip intercropping system was studied from June through August in 1992 and 1993. Three species of small mammals were captured in the strips in 1992, and six species were captured in 1993. The deer mouse (Peromyscus naniculatus) was the most abundant species (97% of captures) and the only permanent resident More small mammals were captured in 1993, a flood year, than in 1992. Deer mice were captured most frequently in the strip type with the most cover. They occurred most frequently in oat strips in June before oat harvest and in corn and soybean strips in August after oat harvest Concerns over crop damage by small mammals in this strip intercropping system are not warranted.