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"The causes of the pressure on these creatures intertwine: aggressive agricultural practices that grow crops on every available acre eliminate patches of wildfl
by johansch 11y ago
"The causes of the pressure on these creatures intertwine: aggressive agricultural practices that grow crops on every available acre eliminate patches of wildflowers and cover crops that provide food for pollinators. Farming also exposes the creatures to pesticides, and bees are under attack from parasites and pathogens, as well."
Seems like this should self-regulate quite well. If there are no bees to pollinate the crop that needs pollination, the "aggressive agricultural practices" would no longer be economical and the land would be naturally reclaimed.
- maxerickson 11y agoA lot of field crops self or wind pollinate. Corn, wheat, soy, rice, etc.
- johansch 11y agoThat's interesting, I didn't know. Honest question though: Is this relevant to my argument?
- maxerickson 11y agoI think so, the lack of pollinators won't curtail aggressive practices associated with those crops.
- johansch 11y agoSeems like basic economics would still make things work out in the end, at least on a macro level.
- Houshalter 11y agoMost crops don't need pollinators. Corn uses wind, and wheat and soybeans self pollinate. The farms that do rely on pollinators are careful not to spray too much.
- johansch 11y agoAha. So the answer is probably, somewhat ironically, what the part of America that grows the most of these things hates the most: Increased federal regulations. :)