Water Troughs

• Grant agreement ID: ARP477/24/000012

• Start Date: 01/07/2025

  End Date: 01/11/2026

The project’s main objective is to assess the effectiveness of creating small ponds as drinking sites to increase bat density in horticultural areas, a parameter closely linked to biological pest control. The study will be conducted between June and October 2025, with fieldwork at 10 organic horticultural farms in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona—particularly in the Vallès Oriental and Osona counties—with similar water availability during July and August.

The project will compare bat hunting activity and density, as well as the incidence of the generalist pests Helicoverpa armigera and Tuta absoluta, across 5 horticultural farms with ponds and 5 farms without ponds. The hypothesis is that, as demonstrated by studies conducted abroad in other agroecosystems, increased water availability will positively affect bat density and that, according to the only article to have investigated this question so far, higher bat density will lead to a reduction in pest incidence.

If the experimental results are considered relevant, the factsheet will include a list of steps and practical tips for installing ponds and other features that support bats in agricultural areas. The project will also provide participating farmers with information on the bat species present on their farms and their activity, as well as on the incidence of Helicoverpa armigera and Tuta absoluta.