Techniques of Land Use for Open Landscape Maintenance in Former Military Training Areas

Abstract

Valuable open landscape biotopes characterized by great biodiversity cover large surfaces of military training areas. Their conservation requi- res appropriate measures which allow them to be kept open. Potential techniques are grazing by domestic or wild animals, mowing and clea- ring or mulching, the uncovering of the soil using tillage implements or sod cutting, as well as controlled burning and shrub removal. However, knowledge regarding the impact of these techniques on vegetation and fauna, process organization, and the expenditures under the specific conditions of military training areas is still insufficient. On the basis of interviews with maintenance contractors, accompanying process- technological measurements, and information provided by the literature, results regarding process organization and economic assessment are presented.