NEW ADVICE has been published demonstrating how farmers can improve their crop yields by providing habitats for insects.

The Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service programme, which is delivered by SAC Consulting, has produced two new practical guides on pollinating insects which play a key role in agriculture, including bumblebees, hoverflies and solitary bees.

The production of 84% of crop species cultivated in Europe depends directly on pollinators, while 70% of the 124 main crops used directly for human consumption in the world are dependent on pollinators. Crops such as oilseed rape and apples are particularly dependent on pollinator contributions, with insects contributing approximately a quarter to oilseed rape and as much as 85% to apple yields.

SRUC research ecologists offer the following top tips to help pollinators thrive on farms:

• Leave rough areas, banks, hedges, dykes, ditches and field margins undisturbed to provide cover and shelter;

• Provide a diversity of plants to benefit a wide range of pollinating species and ensure a continuous supply of sugar-rich nectar and protein-rich pollen from March until September. Plants include clovers, vetches, phacelia, knapweed, teasel and cornflower;

• Complete an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to ensure pesticide and fertiliser applications are minimised by using crop rotations, choosing resistant varieties and using pest thresholds.

Dr Lorna Cole from SRUC, co-author of the guides, said: “Flower-rich field margins provide an excellent source of food for pollinators during summer and early autumn. However, we need to consider all the resources these insects require. Providing rough ground for shelter and nesting sites and planting spring-flowering shrubs and trees, such as willow, blackthorn and bird cherry trees, will help to ensure that your farm has everything pollinators need.”