Introduction

Beekeeping has been an age-old activity for many in the agricultural sector. However, very few people know that bees can play a crucial role in increasing the yield of crop plants. Apart from pollinating crops, bees can also help to water crops, especially in dry seasons. The objective of this article is to provide insights on how bee hives can be used to water large plant crops.

The Watering Mechanism

Bees have a unique way of collecting water that goes beyond their traditional collection of nectar from flowers. Bees collect water by hovering over water sources and sticking out their tongue to lap up water droplets. The bees then fly back to the hives, where the water is regurgitated and shared with other bees. This water-collecting behavior of bees can be exploited to water crops by increasing the available watering points for bees.

Using Bee Hives to Water Crops

The idea behind using bee hives to water large plant crops is to create an artificial watering spot for bees within the fields. Beekeepers can set up hives in strategic positions within the field and leave water sources around the hives to attract bees. Since bees are well-known to be loyal to their source of water, their daily water-collecting activities will revolve around the hives. As a result, bees end up pollinating the crops as they shuttle between the flowers and the hives.

One advantage of using bee hives to water crops is that bees do not carry any form of contaminants into the fields. The water droplets they carry into the hives are naturally clean, free of pollutants, and rich in minerals. Additionally, the regurgitated water that is shared within the beehive is in the right temperature range for crops. This makes beehive water an ideal solution for watering large plant crops.

Benefits of Using Bee Hives to Water Crops

The use of bee hives can lead to a considerable increase in crop yield. This is because bees aid in crop pollination, which is critical in fruit set and seed development. Moreover, the water collected by bees has a high mineral content that is beneficial to crops. Some of the minerals found in bee-hive water include calcium, sodium, and magnesium, which are important in plant growth and development. Bee-hive water is also rich in micronutrients like zinc, copper, and iron, which help in boosting plant resistance to pests and diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beekeeping can provide farmers with more benefits than just honey production. The use of bee hives to water large plant crops can lead to increased yields and a healthier crop. The challenge lies in strategically positioning the hives and water sources within the fields to attract more bees. With proper bee management, farmers can tap into this underutilized water source to boost their crop yields and profitability.