Due to the declining number of grazing animals on Austria's alpine pastures, maintaining alpine grazing areas is becoming increasingly difficult. A continuous decline in alpine grazing areas been observed in recent decades. The Grabneralm in Admont is undergoing a development common in the region: the decreasing number of sheep means the alpine pastures can no longer be kept open. To counteract scrub encroachment, a rotation system is being established. This system compares areas grazed very extensively every year with those that are heavily grazed every two years (less than 20% residual grazing). The effects of this alternating grazing on the alpine pastures, their vegetation, and forage quality are being investigated. The focus here is on maintaining the alpine pastures with small herds, rather than on renaturalization.

Duration: 15.06.2024 - 31.12.2029