POLLINIZA Operational Group: Pollinator management in alfalfa and chestnut crops through agroecological and digital strategies

This study aims to determine the extent of bee pollination in different alfalfa-producing areas in Spain. It will utilize preliminary distribution models derived from remote sensing data and field counts, based on the selection of representative plots in various production zones of Castile and León and Aragon. The final result will be a map of pollinator distribution across alfalfa-producing areas. These plots may serve as demonstration sites and be incorporated into biodiversity and climate change monitoring networks.

This study aims to evaluate the influence of biodiversity islands on increasing crop and honey production. Based on the concept of ecological and biodiversity islands or zones, the study seeks to establish relationships with crop and honey production capacity. The goal is to quantify honey production in alfalfa under different diversity schemes, as well as to identify the effect of biodiversity islands on beekeeping performance. Finally, sufficient data will be generated to develop technical recommendations.

Climatic, biotic, and phenological factors that influence honey and chestnut production in chestnut groves. Representative pilot areas will be identified and properly characterized, each representing a different chestnut grove management and land use model. This will allow for the creation of a digital map and database of the selected groves. Standardized technical data sheets for each area will be provided, along with essential information to guide the experimental design of beekeeping monitoring, pollen analysis, carrying capacity assessment, and honey quality evaluation. Explanatory models of the variability in chestnut honey and fruit production based on climatic and phenological variables of different chestnut varieties will be developed using machine learning and remote sensing data. Critical thresholds will be determined. Optimal flowering and pollination windows will be identified. Technical reports with thematic maps and correlation tables will be produced. An operational network of plots monitored with sensors and a structural characterization of the plots based on remote sensing data will be established.

Determining the carrying capacity of beekeeping in chestnut groves with different production objectives and management intensities. Strategic location of pilot apiaries with differentiated production potential. Basis for carrying capacity analysis and quality studies. Information for future zoning of apiary sites.

Determine honey production based on the production goals of chestnut stands (wood and fruit). Collect and monitor data related to the production process of chestnut derivatives and their correlation with higher or lower yields in beekeeping operations. Comparison and traceability between monitored areas based on different pre-selected environments, providing production information for the sector. Table of maximum permissible loads per stand type and management status. Technical recommendations by area and chestnut grove type. Technical basis for forest beekeeping regulations. Physical-chemical, microbiological, and pollen profile sheets by area. Identification of differentiating characteristics based on the environment. Recommendations for traceability and potential commercial differentiation.

Assessing ecosystem carrying capacity to optimize crop production through pollinator management in alfalfa. Database with agronomic production per plot, flowering dynamics, pollinator presence, and climate. Carrying capacity table per plot for each Autonomous Community. Zonal technical recommendations for optimal carrying capacity. Predictive models and practical recommendations. Maps and territorial fact sheets.

To evaluate the benefits of pollination, its impact on biodiversity, and on primary agricultural production of beekeeping as a regulating ecosystem service. List of wild bee species present in each of the selected plots. Table of relative abundances for the different sampled species. Bibliographic database. Descriptive fact sheets and ecological requirements for each species. Ecological relevance of each species in the context of the crop (chestnut and alfalfa). Specific mapping of habitat suitability for wild pollinators. Quantification of the pollination contribution of the studied species in Castanea sativa and Medicago sativa crops. Management and optimization tool for decision-making regarding the introduction of domestic bee species to the two aforementioned crops in the study areas.

Programming of the dissemination action plan. This is the set of activities that comprise the operational group's overall dissemination strategy. This strategy encompasses the development of the corporate identity manual, the website, press releases, articles disseminating results, and all other communication activities, including dissemination events. This work will be carried out at a national level, as we believe that the project's value should be recognized throughout the country. All of this will be done while also acknowledging the importance of holding events in some of the areas most closely related to the project's subject matter.

The creation of audiovisual materials is an important part of disseminating the project and its results, and today it is one of the most popular methods with the general public. The audiovisual material generated in this project is in an ideal format for adding content to the project's corporate website (and partners can also include it on their respective websites), as well as on the social media of all GO beneficiaries. To maximize the reach of the content, we will use paid media, which will enhance our ability to reach a wider audience.

Evaluation of the reach of dissemination activities, which aim to provide concrete data on the true impact of communication initiatives. The scope is national, as these reports are intended for the administrations evaluating the implementation of project activities. Availability on the corporate website also means that the information is accessible throughout the country. The information will be hosted on the website so that it is available to anyone who wishes to consult it. The verification sources (KPIs) will be: KPI reports, digital publications (number of recipients), website (number of visits and users), seminars (number of attendees, photographs), and impact reports.