By Andi Anderson
A new research review highlights how farmers can successfully combine crop production and pollinator conservation through the use of prairie strips. Scientists have found that these areas of native flowering plants provide important habitat for pollinators while allowing farmers to continue growing corn and soybeans.
The findings come from more than 15 years of research conducted by scientists from Iowa State University and the University of Illinois. The study examined how prairie strips influence pollinator populations and overall farm sustainability. According to Matt O’Neal, Iowa State University researcher, and Katherine Kral-O'Brien, researcher, prairie strips offer significant benefits for bees and other pollinators.
Prairie strips are sections of land planted with native perennial flowering plants within or along the edges of crop fields. These plants supply nectar and pollen throughout the growing season, providing an important food source for pollinators. This is especially valuable in regions where large areas are dedicated to corn and soybean production, crops that offer limited food resources for most pollinating insects.
Researchers found that prairie strips increased both the abundance and diversity of wild bee populations. The flowering plants support pollinators by providing food and nesting habitats, particularly during periods when soybean and clover flowers are no longer available.
The practice also offers environmental benefits beyond pollinator conservation. Farmers can enroll prairie strips under the USDA Conservation Reserve Program practice CP-43, which helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality by capturing excess nutrients, and create wildlife habitat. Financial assistance is available to help offset establishment and maintenance costs.
The research also examined the effects of pesticides used in nearby crop fields. Results showed that when farmers follow product labels and use integrated pest management practices, prairie strips continue to support healthy pollinator populations. Although traces of insecticides were detected in prairie strip vegetation, levels remained well below those considered acutely toxic to bees and butterflies.
An additional finding was that honey bee colonies located near prairie strips produced more honey than colonies at farms without them. Prairie strips also supported higher numbers of monarch butterflies compared with traditional grass-only field borders.
Researchers concluded that prairie strips provide valuable resources for pollinators without significantly increasing pesticide risks. The practice allows farmers to maintain productive crop operations while supporting biodiversity and environmental conservation. As interest in sustainable farming continues to grow, prairie strips are emerging as an effective tool for balancing agricultural productivity with the protection of pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture