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Supporting grassland biodiversity through small-scale fallows
Fabšičová, Martina ; Frei, I. ; Jiroušek, M. ; Smetanová, S. ; Šipoš, Jan ; Trnka, F. ; Vymyslický, T. ; Winkler, J. ; Zdražílková, M.
The main goal of the methodology presented here is to propose a system of recommendations for applying fallow in nature conservation based on our experiments. Due to the independence of agricultural land outside specially protected areas with direct payments from the Ministry of Agriculture, it is currently important to apply the methodology, especially in large protected areas where the primary objective is to preserve natural and cultural heritage. Annual and perennial fallows, i.e. biotopes adapted toregular soil disturbance, offer suitable habitats for a number of now-threatened plant and animal species. This is a technically and economically easy solution, but it is challenging to select a suitable location to achieve maximum efficiency. Ploughing must not be used in species-rich grasslands which would lead to ruderalization and degradation of the native vegetation. Furthermore, it must not be carried out on land at risk of erosion. Linear grassland margins, which have been ploughed in the past, recently grassed fields, fallows, and field margins should be selected for fallow management. Nearby populations of invasive plant species can be a problem. Our recommendations for the use of fallow management relate primarily to land in lowland and upland areas with a lower soil nutrient supply.
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