Die Entwicklung von ehemaligen Ackerflächen unter extensiver Beweidung (Wulfener Bruch)

Abstract

Mann, S.; Tischew, S.: The development of former arable land with extensive grazing by megaherbivores
(Wulfener Bruch). – Hercynia N. F. 43 (2010): 119 –147.
In Germany since the seventies of the last century large areas of floodplain grasslands have been meliorated,
ploughed and used for intensive cropping. Since 1996, a local NGO – the NABU Köthen – works
successfully in restoring species-rich floodplain grasslands in the “Wulfener Bruch” area (Saxony-Anhalt).
Bit by bit, more than 40 ha of former arable land were bought and restored. This study shows
the successful restoration of two former arable fields that have been abandoned in the years 2001 and
2002 respectively. After abandonment, a year-round grazing regime with Heck-cattle and Przewalskihorses
without additional feeding and low stocking density was applied. In the year 2003, three different
treatments were realized on the sites: natural recovery, hay transfer, and seeding of a commercial seed
mixture. Until 2007, on sites with natural recovery and hay transfer, species-rich plant communities
developed, comprising many target species of floodplain grasslands. With ongoing time, problematic
species such as Cirsium arvense decreased their coverage without specific management measures. Furthermore,
our results show that restoration success depends strongly on the groundwater table. The more
the groundwater table converges towards its original state, the better the establishment of typical floodplain
grassland species. Especially on drier sites, the sowing of commercial seed mixtures led to dense
grass swards, thus impeding the colonization of target species.
Key words: restoration, biodiversity, megaherbivore grazing, natural recovery, hay transfer, seed addition