The effects of supplemental feeding with sodium humate on the performance of honey bee colonies (Apis Mellifera L.)

Abstract

In plant and animal production, sodium or potassium compounds which are soluble forms of humic substances are used. Sodium humates are used because of the sodium content which is important for animals in animal production. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of sodium humate added to sugar syrup in the development of adult honey bees, brood production and honey yield. Experimental colonies were randomly selected, and 5 study groups were formed with 6 colonies in each group. In the study, 4 different doses of sodium humate (5 cc, 10 cc, 20 cc, 50 cc/L and control 0 cc/L) were added to 1 liter 1:1 ratio of sucrose syrup and given to the experimental colonies. The highest brood production was obtained at a dose of 10 cc. In addition to, high dose (50 cc) negatively affected brood production. The average honey yield for the 5 cc, 10 cc, 20 cc, 50 cc and control groups was determined as 19.15±1.48, 26.35±1,83, 22.50±1.86, 8.75±1.29 and, 18.50±1.57 kg/colony, respectively. The highest honey yield was obtained from the group of 10 cc. For this group, the honey yield was 29.79 % higher than the control group.