Three years after establishment a typical species combination and hay of high
quality could be asserted. Meanwhile, the meadow is older than 10 years and the
species richness is still increasing. Another example in W Germany shows that under
certain conditions also eutrophic soils of arable land can be used to re-establish
low-productive and species-rich meadows (Vahle, not published, yet).
Until 1996 a horticultural area on loess loam was covered with dung and liquid
manure and used as vegetable garden. In 1996 seeds from a nutrient-poor grassland
were sowed. Because of the high density of seeds (50 g/m
2 ) a typical grassland
composition already occurred in the first year. Afterwards the grassland was mowed
twice a year.
For the whole time of 20 years after the beginning of the project a typical meadow
of relatively nutrient-poor conditions could be observed. Dominant grass species
were Bromus erectus and Briza media, typical herbs were Galium verum, Trifolium
campestre and Pimpinella saxifraga. Later also Dianthus armeria, Ranunculus
bulbosus, Saxifraga granulata and Dactylorhiza majalis appeared.
The examples show that it is possible to re-establish semi-natural grassland on
former arable land. However, the success depends on several preconditions. In this
case regional species-rich hay was available. Furthermore, dependent on the nutrient
status of the soil and aspired habitat type not everything is possible in a short time.
The biological activity of the soil may demand a long time of recovery or it may be
even impossible to re-establish adequate soil conditions. The appearance of orchids,
for example, normally takes more time than the appearance of common meadow
species. However, some species do not appear at all (Jongepierová et al. 2019).
7.3.4 The Meaning of Grassland for Agriculture
For the survival of the diversity of grassland types in Europe grazing and mowing are
essential. The meaning of species-rich hay for animal health is hardly compensable
by concentrated feed plus pharmaceutical products. If product quality not only
means energy equivalents but may also be seen in species-rich hay and production
of healthy milk then grassland would not only be a matter of backward oriented
nature conservation policies. However, the European policy is the key factor for the
determination of such values and the relating payments.
Clearly, the scientific fields of ecology, phytosociology, agriculture, veterinary
medicine, and political economy might work more intensively and closely together.
8 Outlook
Fragmentation of grasslands, nomadism and transhumance can hardly be
re-organized without plausible and increasing payments for shepherds and farmers.
Development and Future of Grassland Ecosystems: Do We Need a Paradigm Shift?
353
quality could be asserted. Meanwhile, the meadow is older than 10 years and the
species richness is still increasing. Another example in W Germany shows that under
certain conditions also eutrophic soils of arable land can be used to re-establish
low-productive and species-rich meadows (Vahle, not published, yet).
Until 1996 a horticultural area on loess loam was covered with dung and liquid
manure and used as vegetable garden. In 1996 seeds from a nutrient-poor grassland
were sowed. Because of the high density of seeds (50 g/m
2 ) a typical grassland
composition already occurred in the first year. Afterwards the grassland was mowed
twice a year.
For the whole time of 20 years after the beginning of the project a typical meadow
of relatively nutrient-poor conditions could be observed. Dominant grass species
were Bromus erectus and Briza media, typical herbs were Galium verum, Trifolium
campestre and Pimpinella saxifraga. Later also Dianthus armeria, Ranunculus
bulbosus, Saxifraga granulata and Dactylorhiza majalis appeared.
The examples show that it is possible to re-establish semi-natural grassland on
former arable land. However, the success depends on several preconditions. In this
case regional species-rich hay was available. Furthermore, dependent on the nutrient
status of the soil and aspired habitat type not everything is possible in a short time.
The biological activity of the soil may demand a long time of recovery or it may be
even impossible to re-establish adequate soil conditions. The appearance of orchids,
for example, normally takes more time than the appearance of common meadow
species. However, some species do not appear at all (Jongepierová et al. 2019).
7.3.4 The Meaning of Grassland for Agriculture
For the survival of the diversity of grassland types in Europe grazing and mowing are
essential. The meaning of species-rich hay for animal health is hardly compensable
by concentrated feed plus pharmaceutical products. If product quality not only
means energy equivalents but may also be seen in species-rich hay and production
of healthy milk then grassland would not only be a matter of backward oriented
nature conservation policies. However, the European policy is the key factor for the
determination of such values and the relating payments.
Clearly, the scientific fields of ecology, phytosociology, agriculture, veterinary
medicine, and political economy might work more intensively and closely together.
8 Outlook
Fragmentation of grasslands, nomadism and transhumance can hardly be
re-organized without plausible and increasing payments for shepherds and farmers.
Development and Future of Grassland Ecosystems: Do We Need a Paradigm Shift?
353