Inland Sand Ecosystems: Dynamics and restitution as a consequence of the use of different grazing systems

Abstract

In Germany, sand ecosystems are among the endangered habitats, particularly the open and the ecotone-rich forms including open oak and pine woodland. A practicable nature conservation concept has to take into account the often anthropo-zoogenically caused dynamics of sand ecosystems. The conservation of these ecosystems is problematic, as they form dynamic systems which lose relevance for species and habitat conservation if they are not used or if they are intensively used or fertilized. Therefore, apart from existing sandy regions, restitution areas are studied, among them an inland dune complex the morphology of which was altered in the context of a trial and development project. The areas studied are located in the north-German lowland plain ("Hase valley", "Ems valley" in the Emsland region) and in the northern Upper Rhine valley (sandy regions near Darmstadt). Differentiated grazing systems with cattle, sheep, goats, horses, Mangalitza pigs and donkeys are employed. The central aim of the project is to analyse the effects of different grazing systems on the vegetation, on nutrient dynamics, on selected animal groups and on socio-economics. The article presents conclusions for nature conservation and socio-economic aspects.