From page 34
POLLINATORS
Unfortunately, modern
industrial-scale monoculture
in larger and larger fields and
landscapes means the
removal of habitats that
pollinators may need.
When pollinators become
increasingly rare in an
ecosystem, other species will
usually fulfil a similar role,
even if less optimally.
Thus the losses may be subtle
and unnoticed at first, making
any early warning system for
pollinator loss quite complex.
When losses start to take
effect, reduced seed set is the
first result. Then follows
increased inbreeding within a
crop or population ~ again,
an effect not readily apparent
to non-specialists.
The primary threats to
pollinators are alteration of
their habitat, leading to loss of
breeding sites and food
resources, and the wide use
of pesticides on crops in ways
that kill beneficial insects as
well as crop pests.
As current habitat and forage
resources dwindle, landowners need to protect and
maintain existing pollinatorfriendly vegetation and plant
more pollinator-friendly plants
(as long as they are appropriate to the specific localities to
prevent hybridisation or
invasions).
Soil fertility can complement
the needs of pollinators in
and around farm fields. A
healthy, nutrient-rich soil that
contains organic matter is
good for crops and allows
certain types of pollinators to
complete their life cycles.
Flowers of crops, on the other
hand, provide nectar and
pollen that is necessary for
pollinators to survive.
The following practices will
protect pollinators and
improve the soil's fertility and
structure:
K Minimal tillage of soil.
K Crop rotation with
legumes.
Butterflies on lavendar
K No burning.
K Planting of cover crops
such as legumes on unplanted
lands will provide nitrogen to
the soil and nectar and pollen
to pollinators.
K Intercropping (the growing
of two or more crops closely
together) will create diverse
farming systems.
K Planting of trees in and
around fields will mimic the
natural environment and
allow beneficial insects to
multiply.
Leaving areas of a smallholding uncultivated will provide
the necessary habitat for
pollinators to thrive. For
example carpenter bees
depend on logs for their nests,
honeybees may build nests in
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Sunbird on aloe
tree cavities or termite
mounds, while mason bees
use clay and leaf cutter bees
use leaves.
A strip of uncultivated land
around a smallholder field
can also act as a windbreak
which helps to reduce soil
erosion. The removal of
invasive weeds before they go
to seed will ensure that they
do not invade natural areas.
Natural areas are important
safe havens for pollinators
and ensure that other
ecosystem services continue.
Not only do natural enemies
of crop pests benefit from
these areas, but they also
serve as carbon sinks that
reduce greenhouse gases.