Minnesota Solar Farms Plant Native Flora, Boosting Bee Population Over 20-Fold
In southern Minnesota, two solar farms were planted with native flowers and grasses in 2018, leading to a remarkable increase of over 20 times in native bee populations over five years. A study published in 2023 in Environmental Research Letters by Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory examined these sites from 2018 to 2022. It revealed enhancements in floral rank, diversity of flowering plant species, insect diversity, and overall insect numbers. This rise in bee populations positively influenced nearby soybean fields, demonstrating a "rising tide" effect. The findings advocate for solar-pollinator habitats as an effective conservation strategy to boost biodiversity and food security in farming areas. The complete article can be found on IOPscience.
Key facts
- Native flowers and grasses were planted at two solar farms in southern Minnesota in 2018.
- The study was conducted by Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
- Researchers monitored the sites from 2018 to 2022.
- Native bee abundance increased more than 20-fold.
- The findings were published in a 2023 journal article titled "If you build it, will they come? Insect community responses to habitat establishment at solar energy facilities in Minnesota, USA."
- All habitat and biodiversity metrics showed increases over time.
- More bees visited nearby soybean fields, indicating a "rising tide" effect.
- The authors support solar-pollinator habitat as a feasible conservation practice to safeguard biodiversity and increase food security.
Entities
Institutions
- Argonne National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- IOPscience
Locations
- Minnesota
- United States