Modeling of productivity of nectar productive (agro)ecosystems

The class of nectar productive (agro)ecosystems is considered. Insects pollinating nectariferous plants play an important role in productivity of ecosystems of this kind. The main nectar foraging insects are honey bees. Integrated model of nectar productive ecosystems is proposed. The model implements the method of theoretical assessment and planning of productivity at different environmental conditions. Foraging (nectar gathering) process is the focus of attention of the paper. The program application has been developed on the basis of the model, and simulation runs have been fulfilled. Factors of productivity have been studied. It has been shown that besides external factors the purposes of honey-bee colonies (principles of their optimal functioning) also influence productivity of nectar productive ecosystems. In particular, any deterioration of foraging conditions results in decrease of foraging activity and, as a consequence, in decrease of productivity at increase of distance to nectariferous plants. The simulations demonstrated that nectar productivity and pollination efficiency (seed productivity) are optimal at different numbers of colonies. The model may have an independent theoretical value, and also it is easy applied to planning and management of productivity in the beekeeping branch of agriculture.