Institut für Pflanzenbau und Bodenkunde
Background Grasslands in Germany have long been the primary source of feed for ruminants and provide key ecosystem services such as water filtration, climate regulation through carbon storage, biodiversity conservation and cultural values. In recent decades, more intensive management has improved feed quality but has also led to a marked decline in biodiversity. At the same time, many regions face contrasting developments. In favorable locations, land is used intensively and uniformly, while in less productive areas, abandonment and scrub encroachment are becoming a threat. Climate change, altered precipitation patterns and rising environmental and climate protection requirements are intensifying these challenges. This underlines the need to develop site and climate adapted management systems that combine economic viability with ecological objectives.Project objectives The aim of the MuD Grassland project is to ensure the continued use and long term preservation of permanent grassland. Grassland’s contribution to food security, biodiversity and climate protection is to be optimized while minimizing conflicts between these goals. The project will demonstrate that graduated grassland management, meaning a farm specific combination of different intensities and forms of use, can be implemented successfully in practice. Farms will be shown practical ways to combine key ecosystem services with the profitable production of high quality forage. The goal is to establish climate resilient swards that deliver stable yields and high feed quality even under drought stress.Approach The project is being carried out in six sub regions that reflect differing site conditions, management structures and challenges. In each sub region, five to six demonstration farms will be involved, either with prior experience in graduated grassland management or introducing it for the first time. Farms are selected to be representative of regional practice, willing to share data, participate in surveys and publicly present their measures.After assessing the initial farm situation and land potential, tailored site specific concepts will be developed jointly. Possible measures include adjusted mowing schedules, reduced fertilization, partial extensification, improved grazing management, reseeding with climate resilient grasses, herbs or clovers, and enhancement of field margins. Diversifying the use of biomass from extensively managed areas, for example as feed for different animal species, as bedding or for composting, will also be considered.Effectiveness will be assessed through yield and quality measurements, botanical surveys, economic evaluations and climate protection assessments. Where possible, paired comparisons between farms with different management intensities will be made.Knowledge transfer The project is coordinated by the Grassland Unit at the Julius Kühn Institute. Knowledge transfer is a core element, implemented systematically at both regional and national levels. An annual Grassland Day serves as a central forum for exchange between farmers, advisors, researchers and policymakers. In addition, each demonstration farm hosts at least one public event per year, such as open farm days, guided tours, workshops or machinery demonstrations.Alongside in person events, digital media are used strategically to expand outreach. These include short explanatory videos, webinars, online lectures and practice oriented articles on the partners’ websites. All project partners maintain a consistently structured web section to provide coordinated and easily accessible content. Existing advisory and communication networks are used to bring results into practice quickly.Project results are shared through trade journals, newsletters and conferences such as AGGF, DLG and VLK. Joint promotion of cross regional events fosters synergies. Regular exchanges with agricultural colleges ensure that new knowledge is integrated into vocational and continuing education. Farm specific evaluations are promptly provided to the demonstration farms, discussed together and used to support practical adjustments in management.Through this combination of practical implementation, scientific support and multi level knowledge transfer, the project aims to harmonize ecological and economic requirements in grassland management and safeguard the diverse benefits of permanent grassland in the long term.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity
