Pollinator enhancement in agriculture: comparing sown flower strips, hedges and sown hedge herb layers in apple orchards

Abstract In intensive agricultural landscapes semi-natural habitats for pollinators are often limited, although willingness to establish pollinator habitat is increasing among farmers. A common enhancement measure provide flower strips, but existent or improved hedgerows might be more effective. this study, we compare the effectiveness of three measures at edges conventional apple orchards: (i) perennial (ii) hedgerows, and (iii) complemented with a sown herb layer. We used orchard without any as control. The study took place over consecutive years in Southern Germany. Wild bee abundance species richness were highest strips followed by hedges. Hoverflies also most abundant not rich than control sites. hoverfly community composition differed between overall included only few threatened specialized species. Flower was main driver wild diversity, whereas hoverflies largely unaffected floral resources. Pollinator had neither an effect on within orchards nor visitation. Perennial seem effective enhance bees landscapes. Additionally, flower-rich should promoted complement extending flowering period increase connectivity