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Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:24:41 -0000 |
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> But it looks to me like the data
> indicates that the vast majority of locations cannot support more than
> 10 colonies per square mile.
From memory I think Bailey put it at 6, but clearly we are back to the old saying 'All beekeeping is local'.
I am guessing that in pristine countryside away from the influences of farming and perhaps with a fairly stable climate (if there is such a thing anymore), it might be possible to put a number on it, but I know from 40+ years experience that it is impossible here.
We run 18 apiaries all within a 10 mile radius, yet each year there are usually very significant variations in crop between them.
Reasons:
Local crops of wheat, rape, field beans predominate and are usually rotated. However, this year there was no rape (due to the ban on neonicotinoids), whereas now almost every apiary is surrounded by it and it will dominate in the spring (this is due to the shortage of cooking oil from Ukraine).
Soil types (mix of everything from heavy clay to very light sand).
Local topography: low ground near rivers may do better in times of drought.
Above all else - Weather! - which is so unpredictable due to the UK's position. Hot and dry = nothing from Lime and Hawthorn for example. Cold spring can be devastating to field beans.
How can you predict anything?
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
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