Pollinator Habitat
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Permanent Vegetation Planted in Agricultural Landscape
Pollinator habitat is normally established as part of a conservation management system. It provides wildlife with food and cover, reduces soil erosion and protects water quality.
Benefits
Pollinator habitat provides nectar and pollen sources for pollinators and offers low-disturbance areas for nesting birds.
Planning
- Use plant species that can provide food and cover for pollinators during spring, summer, and fall.
- A minimum of .5 acres of contiguous habitat is required to provide pollinators with enough space to find food and nesting sites.
Tech Notes
- Prepare the site to ensure the survival and growth of the selected species.
- It is important to treat any existing or potential weed problems prior to planting. This may require up to a year to accomplish. Consult with a weed specialist.
- No-till establishment is highly recommended.
- Follow NRCS pollinator habitat seed mixture recommendations for site conditions.
- Include at least three plants from each grouping (early, mid, or late season blooming) in the mix
- Fertilizers are not recommended, as they will promote weed growth.
- If necessary, mulch newly seeded areas.
- Oats may be used as a companion crop to prevent erosion.
Maintenance
- Actively manage habitat(s) to prevent the spread of noxious or invasive plants.
- Inspect and repair pollinator habitat after storms.
- To protect ground-nesting wildlife, do not mow or burn during nesting season, normally May through mid-August.
- Prevent drifting of herbicides and pesticides onto pollinator habitat.
- After plants are established, mow no more than 30 percent of a pollinator planting in any one year.