Background and goals
Within the framework of the funded EAFRD project, the approach, implementation and procedures of measures for peatland protection and improvement of water retention are to be practically carried out and monitored in terms of measurement technology and nature conservation in the catchment area of the Lindauer Nuthe above Lindau (town of Zerbst/Anhalt, West Fläming; Saxony-Anhalt), exemplary for the agriculturally used peatlands of Saxony-Anhalt.
The overarching aim of the project is to develop a sustainable utilisation concept for the area of the upper Lindau Nuthe that is transferable to other peatland sites and which, building on the status quo, implements the planned measures for peatland soil protection, increasing water retention and sustainable agricultural use in coordination with cooperation partners and local stakeholders.
Sub-objectives
- Testing the feasibility of rewetting measures under climate conditions and the changing water balance in Central Germany while maintaining agricultural grassland utilisation
- Scientific support and monitoring of the ecological effects
- Revitalisation of parts of the ‘Nedlitzer Niederung’ fen and its peat body through water retention and adaptation of the management concept for rewetted grassland sites
- Testing the integration of the regional water maintenance association (UHV Nuthe/Rossel) in the implementation of regional water retention
Methodological approach
- Analysis and ongoing monitoring of the current ecological status of the area (peat thickness, peat quality, C-release, flora)
- Creation of the legal/infrastructural conditions for increasing water retention (dam management)
- Installation and operation of a monitoring network to record the ecological effects and the impact on the peat body as a result of the increase in water retention in the area
- Investigations into feasible water retention levels to ensure the rewetting and manageability of the grassland areas, including measurement of the environmental impact (seasonal dynamics of groundwater levels in the moor, discharge measurements, substance discharges via runoff and outgassing (N and C), fodder assessment, vegetation analyses)
Expected results
- Improvement of the ecological and hydrological functions of peatlands
- Implementation of an ecologically compatible and sustainable utilisation concept for the grassland areas in close cooperation with the land users
- Assessment of the environmental impact and climate relevance of the measures
- Raising awareness and training the population, authorities and other stakeholders on the topic of the objectives and implementation of the EU Restoration Act
- Development of a catalogue of guidelines for peatland restoration in Saxony-Anhalt, including testing the implementation of measures by a maintenance association
