Even average use of nitrogen fertilisers cut flower numbers fivefold and halved pollinating insectsUsing high levels of common fertilisers on grassland halves pollinator numbers and drastically reduces the number of flowers, research from the world’s longest-running ecological experiment has found.Increasing the amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus doused on agricultural grassland reduced flower numbers fivefold and halved the number of pollinating insects, according to the paper by the University of Sussex and Rothamsted Research. Continue reading...
This study, based on the world's longest-running ecological experiment, found a direct link between increased fertiliser use and a decline in pollinator numbers.
The main idea is that high fertiliser application, particularly nitrogen, creates conditions that favor fast-growing grasses, crowding out wildflowers that are essential food sources for pollinators like bees. This reduction in flower diversity leads to a decrease in pollinator diversity and abundance.
Even average fertiliser use had a significant negative impact, highlighting the need to reconsider current agricultural practices and their consequences for pollinator health and biodiversity.
This study, based on the world's longest-running ecological experiment, found a direct link between increased fertiliser use and a decline in pollinator numbers. The main idea is that high fertiliser application, particularly nitrogen, creates conditions that favor fast-growing grasses, crowding out wildflowers that are essential food sources for pollinators like bees. This reduction in flower diversity leads to a decrease in pollinator diversity and abundance. Even average fertiliser use had a significant negative impact, highlighting the need to reconsider current agricultural practices and their consequences for pollinator health and biodiversity.
