Long-term effects of differentiated management intensity of permanent meadows with particular consideration of economic and ecological effects
The performance of permanent grassland is severely affected by the choice of management measures, but also by the given weather conditions (summer drought, heavy rain, hail, etc.). The complex meadow ecosystem (plant population, insects, animals) reacts to the influences of different factors with a positive or negative change in various parameters, which, however, can often only be verified through long-term observation.
The focus of this project is on the optimal usability of grassland feed by ruminants and, in particular, on the assessment of the economic and ecological long-term effects of different management intensities of permanent grassland.
The situation of feed yields and qualities in connection with soil, climate and management intensity as well as the resulting basic feed performance of dairy cows will be examined at a total of 20 permanent grassland locations across Austria. Furthermore, aspects of species diversity (biodiversity) are recorded and an analysis of the effects of different management intensities on the economic indicators and the marginal benefit of permanent meadow management is carried out.
Lehner D., R. Resch, K. Wurm and A. Steinwidder (2020): Sustainable organic silage maize cultivation - recommendations for plant cultivation, harvesting and feeding. ÖAG information 5/2020. Austrian Working Group for Grassland and Livestock Industry (ÖAG) Irdning-Donnersbachtal, 20 pages.
