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Archiv Forschung

Investigations in dry grasslands

Near-natural and semi-natural xerothermic grasslands are characterized by a high floristical and phytocoenological diversity, which show a fine structured vegetation mosaic, based on the geological relief and the microclimatic conditions. As a result of anthropo-zoogenic effects they differ in the degree of hemeroby and naturalness. In order to sustain rare and endangered plant species, the knowledge of the biotic and abiotic environmental conditions is necessary, which are best reflected by the plant communities. Only the maintenance of the particular plant communities leads to a long-term conservation of the rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. So, the floristic and phytocoenological investigations form an important base for further investigations in population ecology.

Dr. Monika Partzsch (previous staff member)

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Conservation of steppe ecosystems in southern Siberia

The subproject “vegetation and steppe restoration” of the interdisciplinary KULUNDA project (www.kulunda.eu    ; funded by the BMBF) has two major objectives: 1) assessing composition, distribution and carbon sequestration potential of the non-crop vegetation types, and 2) developing and testing guidelines for steppe restoration measures. The existing information on vegetation cover and land use in the Kulunda steppe region will be updated and integrated as part of a vegetation map. We also aim to compile a biological trait database for key steppe plants (essential for restoration trials). Our final aim is to upgrade and improve available restoration techniques for steppe ecosystems as well as, together with the stakeholders, the test and fine-tuning of specific measures for the Kulunda steppe.

Prof. Dr. Isabell Hensen

Prof. Dr. Karsten Wesche (previous staff member)

Steffen Heinicke (previous staff member)

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