Natura 2000 grassland conservation and restoration : fertilization and mowing regime in the interface between nature conservation goals and farmers’ demands

Abstract

Semi-natural grasslands are the most species-rich habitats in the Central European cultural landscape. Tied to human activities, grasslands accumulated a huge amount of biodiversity during the thousands of years of extensive use. The provision of numerous ecosystem services, such as a sustainable feed base for livestock, characterize the multifunctionality of grasslands. However, the European semi-natural grassland area suffered a significant and ongoing decline since the early twentieth century. Agricultural intensification has resulted in many grasslands being converted to arable fields. On the other hand, the ongoing grassland improvement or abandonment leads to a shift in vegetation composition, coupled with a massive impairment of plant species diversity, and a loss in multifunctionality. Due to the threats, currently 32 natural and semi-natural grasslands formations have been protected by the EU Habitats Directive within the Natura 2000 network and deterioration must be avoided. However, almost half of the grassland habitat types are in unfavorable-bad condition. It is therefore essential to maintain appropriate grassland management, to restore grassland habitat types, and to reconcile agricultural and nature conservation interests[...]