Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
False fertilization
15.5.3 Prospects for the future
As already mentioned, fertilization at the restoration
site and the restoration method are to be mutually
adapted. Too little as well as too much can hinder
success. In this way, with the combined seed/sward
technique, heavy fertilization can destroy vegetation
of the replaced swards and the natural seed slumber-
ing in the soil. The slightest failure in this respect
can be caused by small doses of slowly working
and long-term fertilizer.
Above all, restoration at extreme altitudes has made
great progress in recent years. Whereas the restora-
tion of areas above 2000 m back to a natural state
was considered impossible 20 years ago, there are
now fine examples of restoration at altitudes up 2400
m. Even when the techniques used are comparably
extensive, they nevertheless create at these high
altitudes management-free units of vegetation that
are identical or almost identical to nature.
The current awareness of technology for the
restoration of alpine ecosystems in various neighbour-
ing alpine states is defined very differently and the
knowledge of special restoration methods is insuf-
ficient. The legal sphere dedicated to extensive restora-
tion methods also lacks uniformity. What is common
in some countries is strictly forbidden in others.
Above all, due to the manifested prohibitions, mostly
given in nature-protection laws, the use of vegetation
alien to such sites is in practice often ignored due to
a lack of the knowledge about alternatives. Although
permission for building projects at high altitudes is
obligatory in almost all of the affected states, the pro-
tection laws are less than strictly controlled. There is
also a lack of information among the authorities con-
cerning what is technically possible. The drawing up
of binding guidelines for site-specific restoration at high
altitudes within the region of the Alps, which reflect
the latest awareness of technological advances, is
needed urgently. Specialized experts from within the
region of the Alps should participate in the drawing
up of such guidelines.
Inexpert work
Grass swards as well as seeds are living materials
and therefore careful handling and expert attention
is indispensable. Badly stored grass swards, inexpert
fixing of the sward in the soil, a lack of adequate
bedding-in and the connected drying-out phenomenon
can even destroy restoration undertaken with high
expenditure. Above all, under difficult conditions one
must call in a competent restoration expert.
Lack of subsequent management
In many cases, a certain degree of subsequent man-
agement is required for the success of restoration: when
mowing is to be undertaken an exactly dosed post-
fertilization, additional seeding or necessary fencing
against grazing animals is required for the achieve-
ment of the projected level of restoration. All of these
measures are essential elements of restoration that must
not be forgotten if one wishes to achieve appropriate
success.
