Project manager: Dr. Bernhard Krautzer

Different methods of recultivation after the separation of wood and pasture considering aspects of plant sociology, plant production and landscape planning have been investigated on a site with siliceous soil and a site with limestone. The assessment of the statistically exact trials included aspects of fertilizing, questions about the selection of suitable seed mixtures and different methods of seedbed preparation and -treatment.

In the year after sowing, the vegetation cover reached a satisfying degree of about 70% on both sites. The extremer soil and climatic site conditions, the more persistent was the site specific mixture in comparison to the commercial seed mixtures on the aspect of persistence, reproduction and cover.

Between the site specific seed mixtures and the mixtures according to the seed law, no difference in the biomass and energy yield could be observed, the quality mixture ÖAG shows a higher yield than the other mixtures on both sites.

The use of site specific seed mixtures caused a higher ecological value of the revegetated areas. Fertilization at the beginning with organic long time fertilizer supported a dense vegetation cover and ensured a high ecological function.

On former forest areas, useful and sustainable pastures with satisfying yields and high ecological value can be produced if good preparation of the seedbed, the use of high quality seed mixtures and an adapted fertilization are considered.