Two new studies provide evidence that biodiversity is important for pollination services in California almond. The studies, published in the journals Nature Ecology & Evolution and Ecology Letters, found that almond yields were higher in orchards with more diverse bee communities and that more diverse plant communities supported more diverse bee communities.

Almond is a major agricultural crop in California, and bee pollination is essential for almond production. However, almond orchards are often monocultures, with little plant diversity. This lack of diversity can reduce the abundance and diversity of bees, which can lead to lower almond yields.

The first study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, found that almond yields were higher in orchards with more diverse bee communities. The study was conducted in two almond orchards in California. In one orchard, researchers planted a variety of flowering plants to increase plant diversity. In the other orchard, no plants were planted, and the plant community was allowed to develop naturally.

The researchers found that the orchard with the higher plant diversity had a more diverse bee community and higher almond yields. They also found that the more diverse bee community was better able to pollinate almond flowers, even under adverse weather conditions.

The second study, published in Ecology Letters, found that more diverse plant communities supported more diverse bee communities. The study was conducted in a variety of habitats in California, including almond orchards, oak woodlands, and chaparral.

The researchers found that plant communities with higher plant diversity supported more diverse bee communities. They also found that the more diverse bee communities were more effective at pollinating almond flowers.

These two studies provide evidence that biodiversity is important for pollination services in California almond. By increasing plant diversity in almond orchards, farmers can support more diverse bee communities and improve almond yields.

In addition to supporting more diverse bee communities, biodiversity can also provide other benefits for almond orchards. For example, diverse plant communities can help to suppress pests and diseases, reduce soil erosion, and improve water quality. By incorporating biodiversity into their farming practices, almond farmers can improve the sustainability of their operations and ensure the long-term viability of the almond industry in California.