Grassland can make an important contribution to both nature conservation and climate protection Photo: Landvolk Image download of the original: | Web-Version:
Committee demands: Protection of meadow breeders must become more effective and flexible
L P D – The topics of nature and climate protection were the focus of the most recent meeting of the Grassland Committee in the rural population of Lower Saxony. Dr. reported on the effects of different management methods in grassland for carbon storage in the soil. Katja Klumpp from the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). Using research examples, she showed that local conditions are decisive for the level of carbon storage. The scientist also explained to the committee members that fertilization and biodiversity in grassland have a positive effect on carbon storage.
Anke Paulsen from the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture (LWK) reported on how the CO2 footprint is determined for an individual grassland farm and what adjustments there are to optimize climate protection. According to the agricultural engineer, major effects can be achieved by adjusting fertilization depending on the yield and by optimizing application technology. “Grassland needs use to increase carbon storage,” she clarified. More research into grassland yields under Lower Saxony conditions is necessary. Science has come a long way in the discussion about uniform climate accounting. But there must also be an application that is understandable for the individual company.
Although the topic of wolves was not explicitly on the agenda, dealing with wild animals took up space in the discussion about nature-friendly use of grassland. The wolf is also a major problem for the management of these areas – all committee members agreed on this. The position of nature conservation, represented at the meeting by BUND state chairwoman Susanne Gerstner, is that well-financed, effective herd protection is the key to wolf management. However, many animal owners no longer want to leave their cattle on the pastures if the wolf can spread even further.
The committee said that a lot of trust in Lower Saxony’s agriculture had been lost when it came to the issue of meadow breeders. The new meadow breeding protection in Lower Saxony is not flexible enough and the measures are not effective enough to effectively protect clutches and chicks. There is also a lack of a long-term, reliable financing concept. The committee agreed that climate and nature protection must be an economically viable business in the long term.
“Further extensification of grassland, which is intended for nature conservation purposes, is also hindered in practice by the fact that the creation of valuable biotope types results in too many regulatory restrictions for farmers,” said committee chairman Dr. Karsten Padeken compiled the contributions. He praised the open exchange with the BUND chairwoman. “It’s good that a professional exchange like the Lower Saxony Way is possible and that we were able to convey the agricultural perspective on important nature conservation issues. “Grassland can make an important contribution to both nature conservation and climate protection, but in the future this additional social task must be established as an economic concept for companies in the long term for at least one generation,” is Padeken’s conclusion. (LPD 87/2024)
Preservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in grasslands. With the increasing wolf population, it’s important to create management strategies that protect both the wildlife and the agricultural interests of the farmers. We need to ensure that grassland management practices support biodiversity while also considering the livelihoods of those who depend on these lands for their income. Collaboration between conservationists and farmers is essential to achieve these goals.
Welcome to our interview on the importance of grassland management in nature conservation and climate protection. Today, we are pleased to have two esteemed guests with us – Dr. Katja Klumpp, an expert from the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), and Anke Paulsen, an agricultural engineer from the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture (LWK).
Dr. Klumpp, your research highlights the significant role of grassland in storing carbon in the soil. Could you explain the impact of different management techniques for carbon storage and the importance of considering local conditions?
Dr. Klumpp: Certainly! Our research has shown that grassland management choices have a direct impact on carbon storage in the soil. By adjusting fertilization and maintaining biodiversity, grassland can store more carbon. However, it’s essential to understand that these practices must be tailored to local conditions because what works in one area might not work in another. It’s crucial for farmers to have access to reliable data and tools to optimize their management decisions towards carbon storage.
Anke, you mentioned the need for research into grassland yields under Lower Saxony conditions. Can you elaborate on this and discuss how these findings could inform management practices in the region?
Anke Paulsen: Absolutely. To optimize climate protection efforts, we need to understand how different grassland management techniques affect yields in our specific region. This information will help farmers make informed decisions about the best approach for their land. We’re currently working on these studies, and we hope to provide actionable insights soon.
Ms. Gerstner, as the BUND state chairwoman, you bring a unique perspective to this discussion. Could you discuss the importance of wildlife preservation in grassland management, particularly in light of the increasing wolf population in the area?
Susanne Gerstner: Wildlife
