Prolonged blooming season of flower plantings increases wild bee abundance and richness in agricultural landscapes

Abstract Flower plantings can increase the abundance of bees and improve pollination services in surrounding landscape. However, uncertainty remains as to whether flower play a role wild bee conservation. The aim this study has been examine contribution composition management attraction bees, particularly endangered species. In large-scale monitoring project, data were collected on 60 120 semi-natural reference plots 20 sites over 2 years. total, we recorded 60,335 belonging 351 plantings, species richness intricately linked high plant constant blooming throughout season. first year study, complimentary phenology annual perennial plants resulted more bloom plantings. second year, partial mowing mid-season enhanced floral resources during late As result, increased from year. Nevertheless, compositional heterogeneity all Germany did not We conclude that diverse season is most important factor for promoting To ensure sufficient beta diversity large spatial scale, recommend adjustment seed mixtures according geographical region.