Research infrastructure

Summary

Two field experiments were established to manipulate permanent grassland productivity, establish wild flower fields, and biodiversity. In the Kiskunság Oldfields Overseeding Experiment (Parlag Felülvetés Kísérlet) we overseeded oldfields, abandoned c. 15 years ago, with a seed mixture of native local plants, mainly leguminaceae. These plants improve soil properties, and we expect an increase in both hay biomass and biodiversity, thus benefiting both people and nature. The Kiskunság Wildflower Fields Experiment (Vadvirágos Parcellák Kísérlet) has 16 landscape windows with 0.5 ha newly established flower fields of a seed mixture of 32 native local plant species in the middle. The landscapes are homogeneous croplands, or heterogeneous with 40-60% seminatural habitat, mainly grassland coverage. The wild flower fields funtion as biodiversity hotspots and refuges in the intensively managed crop landscapes.

ecosystem-services.ecolres.hu