Causes of environmental destruction… The biggest problem is ‘reduced soil productivity’
Plants suitable for the climate and soil must be planted to provide ‘flowers’ to bees.
The cause of honey yield decline, which has been causing concern for the U.S. beekeeping industry in recent years, has been revealed.
The Guardian reported on the 8th (local time) a study showing that the decline in honey harvest was due to the decline of bees and soil productivity due to the destruction of bee habitat, climate change, pesticides, and disease. Pennsylvania State University (PSU), which conducted the study, warned, “If the bee problem is not resolved quickly, it will lead to a decrease in food yields and adverse effects on the ecosystem.”
Bees are known to collect nectar from plant flowers and act as ‘mediators’ by transferring pollen and helping fertilization between plants. However, according to U.S. government statistics, honey production per bee colony in the U.S. has decreased by an average of 50 pounds (about 22.7 kilos) over the past 10 years.
PSU insect expert Christina Grozinger cited ‘climate change’ as the biggest reason for the decline in honey harvest. This is because irregular climate changes not only cause damage to the insect ecosystem, but also lower the productivity of plants (flowers) in the soil. Land development and increased herbicide use were also identified as causes of lower soil productivity.
Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, PSU entomology and pollinator, also said that the most important thing in honey production is ‘availability of flowers.’ This is because bees are ‘pollinators’ that collect ‘juice’ from various plants and animals and spread pollen. He warned that reduced honey production means there are fewer flower resources.
The research team argued that each region should provide flower resources to bees by planting crops that match the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil. In particular, he warned that if the problem is not urgently resolved, serious problems will arise not only in food production but also in the overall ecosystem.
Dr. Quinlan said, “Through this research, the beekeeping industry will be able to predict honey yields and understand and support the relationship between bees, pollinators, and the ecosystem.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.