Soil Nutrients Impact the Health of Bees at Ground Level
Soil nutrients have long been known to play a role in honey bee health, but new research has revealed an additional, unexpected benefit of healthy soil: it can help bees to thrive on the ground. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists found that the presence of certain soil nutrients can significantly enhance the ability of bees to survive and reproduce in the ground. The researchers analyzed the soil of over 80 bee nesting sites in the United Kingdom and discovered that the presence of copper, zinc, and phosphorus was associated with increased survival and reproductive success of the bees. This is the first time that the role of soil nutrients in promoting bee health has been reported. The findings could have important implications for the conservation of bees, as healthy soils are essential for their survival.
source: Phys.org