Climate change is expected to, among other things, increase the air temperature during the growing season and lengthen the growing season. In cool, rainy areas this will lead to changes in plant populations. The yield potential of the grassland areas will increase, and consequently an intensification of use (earlier and more frequent mowing) is also to be expected. At montane altitudes, grassland areas are often mown twice a year and grazed again in the fall. Due to climate change, 3-cut use is becoming very likely.

The aim of the research project was to investigate the effects of climate change-related intensification of use on yield, feed quality and water, carbon and nitrogen flows by means of field tests under practical conditions. The research project was successfully completed as a StartClim2000 project. The soil water balance was not negatively affected by intensified use. Nitrogen leaching with the leachate has not changed significantly either. Yield and feed quality have increased significantly. From an agricultural perspective, 3-cut use is recommended in montane mountain regions in the future.