High Fertilizer Use Halves Pollinator Numbers, Study Reveals

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A recent study conducted on agricultural grasslands in the UK has found that high levels of common fertilizers significantly decrease pollinator populations, primarily affecting bees. Research from the University of Sussex and Rothamsted Research highlights that increasing the amount of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus used in fertilization results in a fivefold reduction in flower numbers and a halving of pollinating insects. The study, which is part of the world’s longest ecological experiment, has shown a direct correlation between fertilizer use and declining pollinator diversity.

The lead researcher, Dr. Nicholas Balfour, noted that there were over nine times more bees in chemical-free plots compared to those with the highest fertilizer levels. The study, published in the journal npj Biodiversity, emphasizes that fertilization encourages fast-growing grasses that outcompete other flowering plants, leading to a decline in pollinator-friendly vegetation.

Currently, about 1% to 2% of grasslands in the UK remain high-quality, species-rich habitats, and the nation has experienced a 97% loss of wildflower meadows since the 1930s. While the research emphasizes the need for biodiversity-friendly farming practices, it also indicates a trade-off for farmers: enhancing flowering plant diversity and pollinator populations may require reducing fertilizer use, potentially impacting crop yields.

The findings underscore the urgent need for financial incentives to promote sustainable agricultural practices that support biodiversity while balancing the challenges faced by farmers.

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