This article contains the video recording and presentation of Walter Starz's lecture as part of the Naturland Bayern webinar - First aid measures in permanent grassland: Drought in grassland - what helps now and what matters tomorrow, with a brief summary:
Video recording of the webinar "Drought in grassland - what helps now and what matters tomorrow"
Presentation for the video recording
Act quickly after the drought
After a drought, dead plant debris should be removed and any resulting gaps used for reseeding. It is crucial to take advantage of periods of favorable rainfall to quickly regenerate weakened stands. Slit sowing can be particularly beneficial in dry locations, as the seeds gain faster access to soil moisture.
Roots determine drought resistance
Root development plays a key role. Grassland plants develop deeper roots when there are sufficient rest periods between uses. Intensive mowing or grazing systems, on the other hand, often lead to shallower root systems. Deeper-rooted stands can utilize water reserves more efficiently and withstand longer periods of drought.
Adapted grazing systems offer advantages
For drought-prone sites, grazing systems with sufficient regeneration periods are recommended. Rotational grazing and strip grazing allow plants to rebuild leaf mass and roots after grazing. Compared to permanently intensively used static grazing systems, this increases the resilience of the sward and improves yield stability.
Mow higher, retain more moisture
Cutting height also influences drought tolerance. Cutting too low should be avoided. Higher stubble shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and promotes faster regeneration of the stand. Especially in dry years, a few centimeters more cutting height can be crucial.
The right species for dry locations
In the long term, grassland stands must be adapted to changing climate conditions. Recommended species for drought-prone areas include orchardgrass, tall oatgrass, timothy, and red clover. Tall fescue or Festulolium can also be interesting options under certain management conditions. These species possess characteristics that enable better water use and higher drought tolerance.
Diversity increases resilience to crises
Species-rich grasslands are more resilient to extreme weather than monotonous ones. Different plant species utilize water and nutrients in different ways and can better compensate for yield fluctuations. At the same time, diverse grassland management contributes to promoting biodiversity and strengthens the ecological stability of the farm.
Conclusion
Drought cannot be prevented, but its effects can be significantly reduced. A combination of adapted grazing management, site-appropriate plant species, timely reseeding, sufficient regeneration periods, and adjusted management practices makes meadows and pastures more resilient. This allows grassland farms to secure their forage supply in the long term, even under increasing drought stress.
We have compiled further information on drought damage in agriculture for you in this series
