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Aquatic vegetation in ditches: biodiversity in intensive production agricultural systems
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| Integration of biodiversity concerns into landscape planning |
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The preservation of biodiversity requires action not only in protected areas but also across the whole territory, in urbanized areas as well as at the country side. The implementation of the concepts of sustainable development will be one of major challenges in the years
ahead.
In co-operation with partners (e.g. the nature conservation trust
Stiftung
Naturschutz Schleswig-Holstein) and stakeholders we develop practicable biodiversity plans at the local
scale.
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Endangered opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa)
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Our approach combines scientific knowledge and experience in designing management plans (e.g. grazing management) with the new
agri-environmental measures of the cross compliance regulation .
We propose pragmatic solutions for ensuring the existence of an ecological infrastructure in sustainable agricultural systems.
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The
yellow-rattle projekt: Sucking grass roots for biodiversity
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greater Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus angustifolius) is
named after the typical rattling sound of ripe seeds in
the inflated capsules.
Like several other species
of the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) the Greater
Yellow-rattle is an annual partial parasite which hosts on
grasses. It send suckers which tap water and nutrients
from the roots of the host plant.
When sawn in productive
grassland, the Greater Yellow-rattle is able to weaken
dominant grasses and facilitate the establishment of less
competitive species.
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1999
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Long before the Greater
Yellow-rattle became famous as "Flower of the year 2005",
the project was launched. Seeds of local provienence were
collected from an aerea bound to housing development an
sawn in a species-poor grasland plot dominated by thiving
Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Cock`s foot (Dactylus
glomerata).
In the following years grasses declined substantially
while in the same time herbs increased. Different mowing
regimes have been tested and planting experiments carried
out with weak competitors such as rosette-species. |
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| 2005 |
6
years after the decrease of the grasses has induced a self
regulation of the parasitic population. The mosaic of
patches of Yellow-rattle stands in different stages has
enhanced not only the botanical diversity but also
significantly the number of typical insect species of herb
rich grasslands.
We would be very glad to
share the lessons learned with people who are involved in
similar projects. We do not have any solutions to offer,
but also a lot of questions to ask!
Thank you for contacting us! |
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| July 2005 |
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Eyebrights
Euphrasia cf. stricta
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Pink
Dianthus carthusianorum |
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Wild Carrot
Daucus carota |
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