Land use practices have a significant impact on the state of biodiversity and ecosystems in a given area. How different management approaches affect habitats can be monitored on smaller model plots, and the knowledge gained can then be applied to the nature-friendly management of larger areas.
For this reason, we established test polygons in different areas of the intermittent Lake Cerknica, where we monitor the response of vegetation to different mowing regimes and frequencies.
One of these polygons can also be viewed at Pretržje, in the immediate vicinity of the apiary along the Drvošec educational trail, where an information board has also been installed.
The test polygons are designed as 3 × 3 metre squares. Around each polygon, a one-metre-wide strip of mown area has been arranged to allow easier access between individual plots and to enable clearer monitoring of changes occurring on them.
All six polygons are located at an elevation of 554 metres above sea level and lie on the marginal area of the regular floodplain of the Cerknica polje.
Different grassland management methods are carried out on the individual polygons, representing varying levels of human intervention in the environment:
Polygon 1: mowing and biomass removal once every three years,
Polygon 2: mowing and biomass removal once every two years,
Polygon 3: mowing and biomass removal once per year,
Polygon 4: mowing once per year without biomass removal,
Polygon 5: intensive mowing and biomass removal every 14 days,
Polygon 6: unmanaged area without intervention.
In May, we began a new mowing season on Polygon No. 5, where intensive mowing is expected to continue until the beginning of October. We are looking forward with great interest to this year’s results in monitoring vegetation response, and we will keep you regularly informed about our findings.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
