How can North American farmers be better educated to combine pollination strategies to increase production most sustainably and effectively?
Why are pollinators important?
Pollination is essential in agriculture.
One-third of the food humans eat is dependent on pollination.
Honeybee populations have been declining in recent years, which means pollination levels have also been declining.
When pollination does not occur, many plant species are not able to create seeds. If plant species can’t create seeds, future plants will not grow. If plants are not growing, there is not as much food for humans to eat.
Farmers often use pollinator management strategies to manage crop yields. Bees are some of the most managed pollinators in the world.
There has not been much research done on integrating bees with other pollinating insects, however, there is a possibility of increased agricultural productivity using integrated crop pollination and integrated pest management.
Integrated Crop Pollination
A strategy that combines different species of pollinators and crop management to promote effective pollination in crops.
This practice uses a combination of managed and native pollinators with farm practices in a way that supports pollinators
Not only could this approach benefit the pollination of crops, but it could also benefit the overall landscape.
When pollination occurs, plants can germinate and spread seeds.
When plants continue to grow, it supports the diversity of the surrounding landscape.
However, we must keep in mind that to create the best crop management process we have to consider the type of crops and the location of the farm.
Integrated Pest Management
A strategy used to control pests on farms.
A scientific practice that can address any pest concerns and be adapted to any agriculture practice.
IPM uses chemical and non-chemical techniques to control pests.
IPM is the best pest control practice to prevent harm to humans and the environment.
Keeping in mind that honeybees are not the only pollinators, farmers should adjust IPM to protect all pollinators, not just honeybees
Combining Strategies
Crop pollination practices have recreational, health, and economic benefits.
Recreational: fruit and flower picking, attracting wildlife, personal food growing, etc.
Health: The health benefits of freshly grown food are unmatched, and that freshly grown produce can only be created with the help of pollination.
Economic: Pollination from animals such as bees improves the global crop output to 235-577 dollars every year.
Why Educating Farmers is Important
Farmers are often hesitant to use new pollination conservation practices because they are not fully educated on them.
If farmers are better educated about pollination practices and how to effectively implement them, they will be more likely to implement new strategies in their farming practices.
Theoretical Framework
The decomposed theory of planned behavior says that humans’ intentions to perform a certain behavior come from three categories of influence. These categories are attitudes towards the behavior, influences and norms from the social circle, and the perceived level of control. This theory states that people require a solid understanding of an intention before they implement it. In relation to how farmers' education influences their ability to combine ICP and IPM strategies, this framework provides a good base to help understand why farmers might choose to implement the strategies and the factors that lead up to their decision.
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