Can periodical cicadas contribute to urban greening?

Abstract

The potential fertilization effect of the decomposition of periodical cicadas on plant growth has been often discussed, but little quantified. I demonstrated this effect in an urban context by examining the effect of decomposing cicada carcasses and commercial lawn fertilizer on the growth of lawn grass in an 80-day greenhouse experiment. Deposition of cicada carcasses benefited aboveground growth of several lawn grasses in a dose-dependent manner, as did lawn fertilizer addition. The effect of cicadas at high levels of deposition was similar to that of the application of lawn fertilizer at half recommended rates. Notable increases in plant height and greenness were also observed in grasses given either treatment indicating the decomposition of cicadas can benefit growth in ways similar to lawn fertilizer, at least during the season following emergence.