Organic mulch lets insect pollinators do their job
As interest in organic agricultural and horticultural practices continues to grow, so does the need to identify alternative weed control practices. Mulching, a common practice used to control weeds and reduce the need for tillage, can also reduce insect pollinators' exposure to harmful pesticides; however, finding the right mulch materials that allow pollinators to flourish can be challenging. Caitlin E. Splawski, from The Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, researched the effects of several types of organic mulch on squash bees, an important pollinator of squash, pumpkins, and gourds. "Crop pollinators that use agricultural fields for nesting deserve consideration," Splawski said. "Zucchini squash has a high pollination demand, and the native, ground-nesting squash bee (Peponapis pruinosa) provides the majority of the crop's pollination requirement in some environments."