Rune Stenseth <[log in to unmask]> writes
 
 
>Does anyone have any experience with Phacelia as a means of securing
>nectar and pollen for the bees?
 
Hi, Rune and All
 
I looked in a book about "for honey" suitable plants saying that Phacelia
Tanacetifolia Benth. is one of the best.
When sowed begins to bloom after 4-6 weeks, yet after 1-2 weeks the blooming
is plentiful and lasts for 2-3 weeks.
A blossom gives 0,15-5 mg nectar with 29-57 % of sugar.
There are (256-991) million blossoms in one hectare (2.57 acres)
 
Honey yield in one hectare: (average for different zones and conditions)
 
Research station MGU (Russia) - Honey, kg/ha
In middle cultivated soil fertilized with superphosfate and potassium salt -
111 kg
In cultivated soil fertilized with superphosfate and potassium salt - 654 kg
In drought year - 79 kg
 
Beekeeping Research Institute
According to sow time: Honey, kg/ha
29 April  - 234 kg
beginning of May - 336
14 May - 237
29 May - 191
beginning of June - 80
13 June - 120
17 June - 128
 
According to Mr.Kopelnikovskij
For various zones (of former USSR): Honey, kg/ha
Middle belt - 150
Central black soil - 120-500
Kazakhstan - 100
Siberia - 200
******
Far East - 145-255 (V.K.Pelmenev)
Far East - 500-1500 ( other authors)
*******
Experience in Cherkask region
Area of 68 ha sowed with mixture of Phacelia and Lupine gave average 20 kg
of honey (350 bee colonies)
In some neighboring areas sowed only with Phacelia gave 12 kg/bee colony
 
Some "inventors" sowed a mixture of Fhacelia, Oat and Vetch/or Pea. They got
additional honey yield.
 
Good luck
 
Rimantas Zujus
Kaunas
LITHUANIA
 
e-mail : [log in to unmask]
ICQ# : 4201422
http://www.lei.lt
55 N, 24 E