A dual role for farmlands: food security and pollinator conservation. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burkle, Laura A.; Delphia, Casey M.; O'Neill, Kevin M.
• Editors: Gibson, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of ecology. Volume 105:Number 4(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 890
• Page End: 899
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: agroecosystems -- bees -- floral resources -- native plants -- nesting habitat -- sustainability -- wild pollinators; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.12784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0477

Abstract

Summary: We briefly review current understanding of wild pollinators and pollination services on farmlands. We consider how concepts in plant ecology – community assembly and functional trait diversity ‐ may be applied to create diverse, wild pollinator communities across scales in agroecosystems. We also make recommendations for best practices to enhance pollination services and create more sustainable food production systems under changing environmental conditions, including creating greater landscape connectivity, embracing pollinator dynamics, and providing incentives and other motivations to support these practices. Synthesis . We highlight the opportunity for agricultural lands to serve a dual role for both food production and pollinator conservation, and conclude by posing unanswered questions and top priorities for future studies. Abstract : We discuss how concepts in community assembly and functional trait diversity may be applied to agroecosystems in order to enhance pollination services. We provide predictions for best practices expected under changing environmental conditions. We conclude that agricultural lands may serve a dual role for both food production and pollinator conservation.