Optimising spatial distribution of mass?flowering patches at the landscape scale to increase crop pollination

The addition of floral resources is often recommended to improve entomophilous crop pollination. However, implanting new plots mass-flowering in landscapes can have both positive and negative effects on pollinator visitation rates crops. We investigated the plot characteristics (size nesting quantities) best places locate co-flowering optimise First, we parameterised validated an existing pollination model with field data. set up experiments simulate conversion random into sunflower fields versus wildflower (intended provide more sites than sunflower) quantified change target fields. predicted a decrease (competition) when were established next increase (facilitation) farther away. identified competition-facilitation transition distance (CF distance) at which facilitation was maximal (Fmax distance). interpreted competition as dilution pollinators among habitat quality, thus supporting bigger populations. Implanting that sites, such fields, significantly increased reduced CF (713 m vs. 1,241 m) Fmax (1,138 1,788 m). size converted did not affect or distance. benefit isolating rather aggregating multiple terms global Synthesis applications. Our findings highlight opportunity spatial distribution landscape scale enhance also suggest preserving introducing priority areas high-density compensate for consequences dilution.