I have a "testimonial" that I can back up with scientific principles and
literature.
Some years ago the local electrical company worked up a hillside on our
land. This left a barren and very erosion prone hill side, in addition
the top soil had been removed over the large part of the area. We tried
to counter the erosion physically with litter cover and also planted the
area to vetch. After a couple of unsuccessful seasons trying to
cultivate vetch I established bee colonies in the immediate vicinity.
The results were amazing. The vetch took off across the hill side within
a couple of seasons. As a soils scientist working with biological
nitrogen fixation, I did not immediately make the connection between the
prolific growth of the vetch and the bee colonies. Some months later I
read in Duke, (1981) "vetches are insect-pollinated, and bee hives near
each field ensure pollination of flowers and increase seed yields."
So for people trying to establish vetch as a cover crop, for hay, silage
or pasture, bees colonies can make a significant difference in your
yield. Besides, if you have the land, bees are a fascinating and
productive addition to any farming system.
Now that I have provided a technical tidbit for the last few people
posting who want "METHODS" I would like to comment on the one track
thought process of some scientists who speak of statistics, techniques
etc... and how narrow definition is affecting our reputation with the
public. Fellow Scientists! We are losing the respect and confidence of
the public!! I'm not saying that we have to lead a PR campaign and I
know that scientists are stereotypically socially inept, but we have to
validate the experiences and testimonials of those who are LIVING WITH
THE REALITY WHILE WE ARE TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS! I am speaking of
agricultural sciences now (obviously not astronomy!). I see that we are
having a battle of who will emerge the authority in sustainable
agriculture. Many scientist don't realize that this is the public
domain, that there are individuals, non-profit organizations, private
sector businesses etc... who are leading the way in this movement. And
many of them feel that science got us into the mess we are in. So we
need to work together, to understand the overarching issues that are the
combination of biological, physical, and social. That, in my opinion is
the role I see SANET playing in facilitating the dialogue (or
multilogue). So be nice and get along! Respect other opinions and try to
see the grains of scientific truth and frame scientific questions (the
true root of science) in the larger context!
Kathy Draeger
These are still my opinions and possibly those of other, but not
necessarily those of my institute of employment.