Nature Conservation in Organic Agriculture – Frank Gottwald a Manual for Arable Organic Farming in North- East Germany

Contact Concrete recommendations for action for farmers, advisers Dipl.-Biol. Sarah Fuchs and authorities based on the Ernst-Thälmann-Str. 11 results and experience gained D-16248 Lunow-Stolzenhagen [email protected] in the ‘Nature Conservation Farm Brodowin’ testing and development Dr. agr. Karin Stein-Bachinger project (supported by the German Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung Federal Agency for Nature Conser (ZALF) e. V. Eberswalder Str. 84 vation) D-15374 Müncheberg [email protected] Sarah Fuchs [email protected] 20 profiles of successfully tested nature conservation measures Karin Stein-Bachinger

17 profiles of animal and plant species particularly worthy Nature of protection With comprehensive Conservation instructions on long-term

Bundesamt and effective nature conservation für Naturschutz in Organic Agriculture for the whole farm A manual for arable Supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature organic farming Conservation (BfN) English Edition in north-east Germany with funds granted by the Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Abt. II 3 German Federal Ministry Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn of Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety German Edition ISBN 978-3-934239-35-7

Responsible body Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e. V. (registered association) Leibniz-Centre for Ökodorf Brodowin e. V. Agricultural Landscape (registered association) German Federal Agency Research (ZALF) e. V. Ökodorf Brodowin e. V. for Nature Conservation Imprint For a quick introduction ...... 6 Contents Overview according to specific

Sarah Fuchs Photos research criteria ...... 7 Karin Stein-Bachinger Frank Gottwald (42), Andreas Matthews, Arthur

de Bruin, Sarah Fuchs, H. Gehring, R. Groß, Acknowledgements ...... 8 in cooperation with Angela Helmecke, Josef Johanning, Hermann Preface ...... 9 Frank Gottwald Knüwer, H. Klapp, Sebastian Koerner, Jakob

Kuball, Anett Matuschka, Frank Neu schulz, Introduction ...... 11 Support at the Federal Agency Andreas Nolten, Holger Pfeffer, Wilhelm for Nature Conservation (BfN) Schäkel, Anke Schnabel, Gerlinde Stange,

Andreas Kärcher Karin Stein-Bachinger, Nature Conservation Legume-grass leys as a habitat ...... 24 Farm Brodowin Grain crops as a habitat ...... 28 The manual should be cited as follows Landscape elements as a habitat ...... 32 Fuchs, S. & Stein-Bachinger, K. (2008): Proofreading Nature Conservation in Organic Agriculture – Frank Gottwald a manual for arable organic farming in north- east Germany. www.bfn.de, 144 p. Profiles of the measures ...... 36 Production Entire list ...... 37 Translation satzart, Klaus Böhm, Brodowin Explanation of a profile ...... 38 David Berry Languages, Berlin tertia, Christian Hochstein, Berlin M 1 to M 20 ...... 40 Medialis Offsetdruck, Berlin Other relevant measures ...... 80

The information contained in this manual was

prepared by the authors to the best of their Profiles of the species ...... 82 knowledge and was reviewed with the great- Entire list ...... 83 est care by the assistance of external experts. Explanation of a profile ...... 84 Nevertheless mistakes may not be completely A 1 to A 17 ...... 86 ruled out. For this reason all of the information Other relevant species ...... 120 is given without any obligation or guarantee on the part of the authors. Long-term nature conservation © This manual and all of its contents are pro- The nature conservation plan

tected by copyright. The use of texts and for the whole farm ...... 124 Issued by pictures especially for reproduction, trans- Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Abt. II 3 lation, microfilming, and the storage in and Konstantinstraße 110 processing by electronic systems without Appendices

53179 Bonn the approval of the authors is illegal and liable Explanation of important terms ...... 135 Fax: + 49 228 8491 1819 to prosecution. List of abbreviations ...... 137 Email: [email protected] Species ABC ...... 138 2010 Sowing mixtures ...... 140 Addresses, Internet links ...... 142 References ...... 143 First German edition October 2008 Contact addresses of the authors ...... 144 ISBN 978-3-934239-35-7 www.bioland.de / verlag Printed on uncoated Munken paper 150g For a quick introduction Specific research criteria

What is the idea behind How do I estimate the effort Do you have special interests or farm characteristics? ‘Nature Conservation and the costs of a measure? On the basis of the following research criteria and recommendations, in Organic Agriculture’? p. 19, p. 131, Table 3, you can be taken directly to the profiles that are of interest to you. p. 13 M 1 to M 20 Which measures can be implemented without Are there positive examples? How do the profiles work? expending a lot of time? p. 15 Profiles of the measures Effort M 4 M 5 M 7 M 8 p. 38 M 10 to M 13 M 16 Why is the focus on measures Profiles of the species in arable farming in north-east p. 84 Which species can be found in particular when … Germany? Soil rating index low A 1 A 3 A 8 A 10 p. 16 How do I generate a nature A 16 A 17 conservation plan for my farm? medium A 9 A 11 A 12 Why are nature conservation p. 124 high A 7 A 14 measures necessary in arable farming? How do I identify fields which Which species should I give priority to with a … p. 14 are particularly suitable for Field environment without landscape nature conservation measures? elements A 1 A 13 to A 17 Why does organic agriculture p. 127, Table 1 with small water bodies A 6 A 7 require different measures and information in the profiles surrounded by hedges A 4 to conventional farming? with fallow land and p. 16 Which species should I particularly ruderal areas A 2 A 3 A 5 A 10 to A 12 support? Why the selected p. 126 to 128 I would like in particular to support … measures? and information in the profiles highly endangered species A 6 A 14 A 15 A 17 p. 18 Natura 2000 species A 4 A 6 A 7 species? Where do I find further information p. 20 on nature conservation in organic When should which measures be started? agriculture? Time Spring M 1 to M 3 M 5 to M 9 Which protection strategies are p. 142 M 13 to M 15 M 18 pursued? Autumn M 4 M 8 to M 13 in legume-grass leys M 15 to M 17 p. 27 in grain crops Recommendations p. 31 for landscape elements I want to begin in a small way: low risk p. 35 and no noticeable yield reduction small-scale M 5 to M 13 M 16

I want more visible beauty and variety on my farm M 5 M 14 M 15 6 M 16 M 19 M 20 7 Acknowledgements This manual was financed by the German Fed- ”A good example often says more Preface eral Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with than thousand words”. funds granted by the Federal Ministry of Environ- ment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety When we started our ”Nature Conservation Farm (BMU). We would especially like to thank Mr. An- Brodowin” testing and development project in dreas Kärcher from the BfN for his constructive 2001 we had above all two wishes: support. – successful measures should continue to exist We would very sincerely like to thank our col- beyond the life of the project, and league Frank Gottwald for his professional co-oper- – the insights gained should have an exemplary ation, particularly in the preparation of the profiles function and be transferable beyond the Bro- for the segetal flora, butterflies and saltatoria. His dowin example. assistance contributed greatly to the success of We didn‘t want to develop a miniature ”ideal the manual. world”, but rather – completely in line with the We would also like to thank everybody who pro- spirit of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and in vided us with photos, especially Frank Gottwald the tradition of Brodowin – test new ways to see and Andreas Matthews. how agriculture and nature conservation can simul- To all of the participants in the workshops in De- taneously be achieved on the same field. cember 2007 and in May 2008, as well as other Now it’s starting to seem as if our wishes have external colleagues who proofread the texts and been fulfilled. In 2008 the Brodowin biodynamic profiles, we would like to offer our very sincere farm decided to continue running certain particu- thanks for their constructive criticisms and sug- larly effective nature conservation measures in col- gestions for improvement. It is only through their laboration with the Ökodorf Brodowin e.V., and this assistance that the manual could be published in has been – as yet – without secure financing for this form: the yield loss. At the same time the Brodowin ex- Dr. Johann Bachinger, Eugen Berg, ample seems to have become contagious: In the Dorett Berger, Simon Birrer and colleagues, Schorfheide–Chorin Biosphere Reserve, 15 of 18 Christian Bruns, Ute Buschhaus, Dr. Thomas large agricultural farms that were questioned by the van Elsen, Ursula Fricker, Dr. Martin Flade, regional habitat care association, stated that they Helmut Frielinghaus, Silvia Huber, Hubertus are very interested in nature conservation consul- Illner, Dr. Karen Krüger, Dr. Birgit Litterski, tation and the preparation of a farm-related nature Ludolf von Maltzan, Peter Markgraf, conservation management plan. This shows that Eva Meyerhoff, Hans-Martin Meyerhoff, farmers want to take nature conservation goals Dr. Rainer Oppermann, Jörg Peil, Heiner into account on their farm area. At the same time Petersen, Holger Pfeffer, Uwe Raabe, however, they would like to be able to weigh up by Renate Richter, Dr. Wilhelm Schäkel, themselves which goals can be implemented and Florian Schöne, Beate Schwigon, Christian to what extent. Seibel, Marcus Sperlich, Hartmut Wöllner. And that is precisely the purpose of this manual. It gives the farmers the tools they require to carry The Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape out targeted nature conservation measures volun- Research (ZALF) e.V. and Ökodorf Brodowin e. V. tarily on their own farms. At the same time, nature were responsible for the project. We would like conservation authorities and agricultural authorities to sincerely thank all of our colleagues for their receive guidance on which programmes are worth support in many different ways. promoting in the future. 8 There may well be a viable concept at the end 9 which allows for a reconciliation between agri- Introduction culture and nature conservation on large areas, thereby giving new meaning to the empty saying How can wild animals and plants be better pro- that ”Farmers are the best conservationists”. This tected during the production of foodstuffs? What would be a great step forward in our agriculturally possibilities are offered by organic farming? characterised cultural landscape in the sense of This manual addresses these questions in a fo- the Rio Convention on Biodiversity – global think- cussed and practice-oriented way. The contents Good ideas and useful ing transferred into local action. were intensively discussed and agreed upon with knowledge – nature I am convinced that this manual is a pioneer in this experts recruited among farmers, advisers, author- conservation to suit direction. ities and scientists. Suggestions and objections your farm on the part of the farmers were thus able to be taken into consideration and both administrative Dr. Martin Flade Chairperson Ökodorf Brodowin e. V.

The ‘Nature Conservation Farm Brodowin’ Project

The results presented in this manual were acquired within the framework of the five year BfN project ‘Nature Conservation Farm Brodowin’. The specific design of the measures is also a result of this long-term interdisciplinary collab- oration. Significant contributions were made by Sarah Fuchs (scientific nature conservation project coordination; farmland and hedgerow birds, brown hare), Frank Gottwald (segetal and dry grassland flora, butterflies, saltatoria), Angela Helmecke (amphibians, farmland birds), Ralf Gottschall and colleagues (trim- ming, composting), Johannes Grimm (management), Karin Stein-Bachinger (scientific agricultural project coordination; crop production, animal nutrition, economy) as well as Peter Zander and colleagues (economy). The complete presentation of the project results will be published as a scientific reference book in 2010 (Stein-Bachinger et al. 2010) and be an ideal supplement to the existing manual, in which frequent reference is made to the Nature Conservation Farm project. problems as well as questions on the transferabil- Organically farmed ity of the content across the whole of north-east field in Brandenburg Germany were clarified. The first part of the manual illustrates the benefits and potential of organic agriculture for nature conservation and the situation of the farms in north- east Germany. Explanations are given for the particular necessity of nature conservation measures 10 in arable farming. The habitats of legume-grass 11 leys, grain crops and landscape elements with their ficial insects, but rather also offers food,cover and ecological importance are described and basic con- refuge to numerous other animals and plants. servation strategies are introduced. Typical animals and plants from the agricultural Brief, clear informa- The subsequent practical section contains brief landscape are therefore often more frequently tion and concrete and clear instructions for the conservation of found on organically managed fields, as is docu- instructions fauna and flora. 20 profiles of measures and 17 mented in a large number of scientific studies. profiles of species as well as short descriptions The potential for nature conservation is therefore of further relevant measures and species help higher than on comparable conventional fields – a the farmer to decide on which fields it is worth- great opportunity for the preservation and support while protecting certain species and what agricul- of biological diversity in agriculture! tural consequences this may have. The user can Black-veined White quickly see how to support typical or rare animal and plant species. Suitable measures can also What is the idea behind be selected for areas on farms for which there ‘Nature Conservation is no concrete information on the occurrence of in Organic Agriculture’ ? species. Furthermore, concrete options for the optimisation of nature conservation across the Don‘t organic agriculture and nature conserva- whole farm are explained with the aid of practical tion go hand in hand anyway? What happens if a examples. legume-grass ley need mowing, while there are leverets growing up in it? Where, and when exactly, do field birds actually breed? The committed farm- What are the benefits er asks himself such or similar questions. And he of organic agriculture? is dependent upon on receiving concise and well founded answers. Organic farming serves as a role model from the The proportion of organically farmed areas in viewpoint of environmental protection and nature north-east Germany is comparatively high, and conservation. Many features of this farming sys- farmers are often very interested in living diversity tem overlap ideally with nature conservation goals. on the field – however they lack a user-oriented One of the most important nature conservation guide which is tailored to practice. Detailed, sci- For everyone goals is the support of suitable living conditions entific reports are indeed informative, but for the who is active for wild flora and fauna and thereby biodiversity in farmer, in his daily work, inappropriate. in organic farming the agricultural landscape. Thus, for example, the The central concern of this manual is to bring in a practical, preservation of soil fertility through various crop more specific nature conservation into organic advisory or Organic farms can rotations at the same time also creates diverse farming. So that land users can be supported as administrative achieve nature habitats for wild animals, and the renunciation of effectively as possible in their nature conservation role conservation goals synthetic pesticides and mineral nitrogen fertiliz- efforts, advisers and administrative staff are finally more simply and ers brings about crop densities in which segetal also dependent upon meaningfully acquired expert effectively flora can also thrive well. Animal husbandry must knowledge. In addition the manual should provide match the fodder basis of the farm and there- valuable service as a basis for guided farm-tours or fore generally provides a rather low nutrient level, environmental education events. which fits very well with the habitat requirements of almost all of the typical animal and plant species in the agricultural landscape. The integration 12 of landscape elements not only promotes bene 13 Ever more organic agriculture Are there positive examples Organic farming has developed rapidly in almost every European country from practical experience? since the beginning of the 1990‘s. Nearly 5 % of the agricultural land in Germany is managed according to EC Regulation 2092/91. Brandenburg In contrast to the management of grassland in ac- has the largest share (9.8 %) in a nationwide comparison, and in some cordance with nature conservation, there had been large biological reserves up to 70 % of the agricultural area is already little available until now in terms of research results organically farmed (2008 status). or practical material concerning nature conservation on arable land. In the mid-1990‘s for example, the ‘Gut Peetzig’ organic farm was completely restructured in the course of a large co-operative Fallow strip in Why are nature conservation research project (BMBF / DBU) carried out in the cereals measures necessary in arable farming? Schorfheide–Chorin Biosphere Reserve (Branden- burg), in which nature conservation goals were Unfortunately the utilization interests of farmers taken into account primarily through the equipping and the requirements of nature conservation do of the farm with wooded structures and habitat not frequently coincide. For this reason, conflicts networks. with nature conservation goals are well known in Within the framework of the five year BfN project modern organic agriculture. This is because farm- ‘Nature Conservation Farm Brodowin’ it was possi- ing operations for example also take place at the ble – for the first time on a national basis – to com- same times during which field-dwelling animals prehensively prove that arable measures in organic reproduce. The nests of ground-breeding birds can farming have a great impact on nature conserva- be destroyed or young animals killed. And even tion. An interdisciplinary team of scientists exam- ‘Nature Conservation Farm organic agriculture cannot farm profitably on dry ined the effects and costs of nature conservation Brodowin’: interdiscipli- grassland or moist meadows and therefore with- measures in this project in close co-operation with nary and innovative; term draws from such areas. Likewise, the maintenance the Ökodorf Brodowin GmbH & Co.KG biodynamic of project 2001 – 2006, of field margins, hedges and buffer strips around farm. The focal point was on procedures in mod- promoted by the Federal water bodies is not in any way automatically car- ern, large-scale agriculture in north-east Germany. Agency for Nature Con- ried out in organic agriculture. Increasing pricing In the course of this, a number of measures that servation (BfN) with funds pressure leads to further specialization and inten- from a nature conservation viewpoint were goal- granted by the Federal sification in the production process. Crop rotations oriented, and from a farm point of view easily im- Ministry of Environment, are more simplified and mechanical weed control plementable, were tested and their effects scien- Nature Conservation, increasingly perfected. Arable fodder (leys), mead- tifically documented. and Nuclear Safety ows and pastures are used earlier and more fre- Since then the interest in nature conservation quently. in agriculture has increased: The University of Kas- Combine food produc- Wild flora and fauna therefore require adapted sel has been examining similar questions on a high tion and nature conser- farm management procedures for their long-term yield location since 2006 in an associated project vation goals survival which are frequently connected with yield also promoted by the BfN on the Hessian state- and quality losses or additional expense. owned Frankenhausen farm. Furthermore, several farms were awarded prizes on a national level in 2007 and 2008, for integrating nature conservation measures into management in an exemplary fash- ion. This ‘Farming Conservation Award’ recognises the high level of commitment by farmers and com- 14 municates the results to a wider public. 15 This manual contains the results of the ‘Nature of pests or weeds is focussed on the crop rota- Take the peculiarities Conservation Farm Brodowin’ project in a con- tion and tillage measures. In livestock farming, the of farm management densed form. Other experience has also been feedstuff must be produced on the farm. Changes procedures into incorporated, including that from the above-men- of crop production practices for the purpose of na- consideration tioned projects. The manual thus summarizes the ture conservation must take these principles into current state of knowledge about nature conserva- consideration and require longer-term planning. tion in arable organic farming. This is taken into account in the suggested measures. This is the only way for example to avoid subsequent weed infestation or feedstuff scarcity Why is the focus on arable farming measures brought about by nature conservation measures. in north-east Germany? Several measures have different or no effects in organic agriculture however when compared with The nature conservation strategies presented are conventional agriculture: Initial function: Nature essentially based upon practical experience gained conservation strate- in Brandenburg and are therefore particularly valid • Example ‘Skylark plots’ in cereals gies for arable farms in for the arable landscapes emerging from the Ice This is a popular measure in conventional cereal Weed control in Brandenburg, Mecklen- Age in north-east Germany. What are typical for cropping. Effect there: Small areas in the field with organic agriculture burg-Western Pomera- these agricultural areas are low to medium soil a low vegetation density which allow the Skylark nia and Saxony-Anhalt qualities with wide small-scale heterogenities and to land in the crop, to find food and to build its nest a predominantly subcontinental climate with rela- in the adjacent cereals. Effect in organic agricul- tively little precipitation. Here large farms tend to ture: Creation of wild plant islands within the field, manage large fields. With the high variety of land- which are not very suitable for Skylarks (too dense scapes at the same time, there is an inestimable and tall), but make excellent nesting locations for potential for nature conservation. corn buntings and yellow wagtails. The site and climatic conditions mentioned influence the occurrence and the reproduction seasons • Example ‘Reduction in sowing density’ of the animals and plants – and thereby also the in cereals nature conservation measures. Thus for example, A reduction in sowing density in conventional ce- a mowing interval suitable for farmland birds on real cropping must as a rule have completely dif- rich soils and where there is more precipitation ferent dimensions in order to reduce the coverage in Germany can differ from the recommendations of the vegetation to such an extent that the areas in this manual. The establishment of field margins become useful for wild flora and fauna. However, or blossom strips for example, is on the other hand even a well penetrable cereal field is of little value less of a variable measure and can also be trans- to farmland birds or Brown Hare if herbicides and ferred to other areas and management systems insecticides are used, because then there will be without essential constraints. too few wild plants and insects available as food and cover.

Why does organic agriculture • Example ‘Late cut and high cut’ require different measures in legume-gras leys to conventional farming? Intensively used, heavily fertilised legume-grass often forms such a dense crop stand (which con- Organic agriculture renounces synthetic pesti- sequently at ground level is cool, moist, and hard 16 cides and mineral nitrogen fertilizers. The control to traverse), that it has but little value as a habitat 17 for farmland birds and Brown Hare. A late or high • Useful for different farming systems: The re- cut is in that case not worthwhile as relatively few quirements of livestock farms concerning fodder individuals profit from it. quality must be observed, for example.

Certainly some of the measures proposed in the • Safe: The risk of long-term negative effects on manual can also be transferred to conventional agriculture that are hard to calculate (e.g. an in- farms, especially when the crop is cultivated to crease in weed infestation) should to be kept as take sufficient account of the habitat requirements low as possible. of the animal and plant species. A universal trans- ferability of the results presented in the manual We would like to mention here that additional Perhaps there are however requires review. measures could also be useful. The manual is also other effective therefore designed so that new profiles resulting measures for your from an increase in knowledge can be added in a farm? Why the selected measures? new edition.

Effective and The recommended measures are based upon prac- practical: Over 90 % tical experience as well as on available knowledge How can the effort and cost of a measure of the recommended concerning the habitat requirements of the spe- be estimated? protective measures cies. The highest success can be achieved through were thoroughly targeted measures with sometimes only minor Due to economic constraints, many farms only tested in the ‘Nature changes in crop production practices. The renun- adopt nature conservation measures if the losses Conservation Farm ciation of weed control only helps a farmland bird incurred and adverse consequences are financially Brodowin’ project. in places where it is breeding at the time in ques- compensated. Some of the measures proposed tion. Butterflies need an abundant supply of nectar are not yet included in nature conservation pro- especially when laying eggs in the summer. grammes as they are presented here for the first time, for some others there are indirect possibili- The recommended measures were therefore se- ties for funding. Moreover, it is well known that lected according to the following criteria: agri-environmental schemes will in future remain subject to strong variations in the different federal • Effective from a nature conservation view- states of Germany and calculations on the basis point: The central habitat requirements of the typ- of gross margins are ultimately dependent on ical animals and plants of the agricultural landscape pricing. are to be fulfilled. For this reason, concrete sums detailing financial compensation (in Euros / ha) were left out of the • Agriculturally useful: The principles of organic profiles of the measures in consensus with all of farming must be observed, including among other the interest groups involved. In place of this, infor- things, the preservation of soil fertility, the protec- mation is provided on losses in yield and degrada- tion of environmental assets through a reduction tion of quality as well as on the efforts of implemen- Discussion in nitrate leaching and erosion, and animal welfare. tation. This allows for an estimation of the actual with farmers expenditure according to farm type, regardless of • Practical: The measures must be agronomi- whether and to what extent a measure is actually cally sensible, technically feasible and capable of supported with subsidies. In some measures for being integrated into work schedules. example, it can be quickly seen that they only bring 18 about slight losses from the farmers point of view. 19 It is also worthwhile We therefore hope that some farmers will be Which animals and plants implementing nature prepared, both out of conviction and out of a love live on arable fields? conservation measures of nature, to integrate nature conservation meas- on a small area – ures into their management systems, at least on Although all of the animals and plants presented in this remains easy to parts of the land under their cultivation. the species profiles are typical for north-east Ger- manage economically. many, not all of them are to be found on every farm. On the other hand the list is by no means complete. Why the selected species? Threatened species are missing for example, such as the Montagu‘s Harrier or the European Hamster For all of the animals and plants presented in this which require very specific and costly species pro- manual, arable land is a very important habitat and tection programmes. for some (e.g. Fire-bellied Toad, Forking Larkspur) The Skylark, Brown Hare or the Queen of Spain also the most important. The long-term survival of Fritillary are widespread throughout the arable these species therefore depends on the quality of landscapes in north-east Germany and are likely to the arable land. be found on all organic farms. The occurrence of ‘Common or garden Urgent action is required as massive population amphibians is in contrast restricted to areas with species’ Corn Bunting‘, decreases have been registered for a large number an abundance of water bodies. Farmland birds set- Farm bird’ Skylark, of species throughout Europe in recent decades. tle predominantly in sparsely wooded fields. Seg- ‘Mass bird’ Quail, And the negative trends are continuing. The main etal flora species are bound to specific soil proper- ‘Harvest pest’ Brown causes of this are intensive conventional agricul- ties and many butterflies to very specific caterpillar Hare, ‘Weed’ Lamb‘s ture and the consequences of Europe‘s common food plants. Some species, such as the hedgerow Succory agricultural policy. bird Barred Warbler or the segetal plants Lamb‘s Young European … is this still true? Succory and Field Nigella are only found at a few Tree Frog ”If one analyzes the nature conservation suitable sites. Such species are highly endangered situation today, one comes to the sobering due to their very special requirements. The target- conclusion that previous efforts to preserve ed support of these species is therefore especially biodiversity have not yet achieved important. a breakthrough.” (Quotation: NABU 2006) We hope the farmer will be able to find ”his” typical species for his farm in this manual. This will What is characteristic of the species presented enable him to set specific priorities for the protec- is that they react sensitively to changes in agri- tion of nature. cultural land use. As a result of this trait they are also particularly responsive to nature conservation measures. Most of the species have already been What possibilities do agri-environmental thoroughly examined scientifically, and their habitat programmes offer today and in the future? requirements are well known. All of the species described in the profiles were moreover studied Nature is a valuable asset, and to protect it costs intensively for a number of years within the frame- money! work of the ‘Nature Conservation Farm Brodowin’ Many farmers are quite prepared to integrate na- project. That is why it is possible to derive effec- ture conservation measures into their farms, which tive conservation measures for these species in go above and beyond ‘good agricultural practice’. organic agriculture. However this is hardly possible without financial assistance from nature conservation programmes. 20 21 International consent the estimated average losses in income associated Well prepared for the Since the 1992 agreement at the Earth Sum- with participation. nature conservation of mit in Rio de Janeiro, the conservation and It would be useful to combine result-oriented the future? Organically sustainable use of biodiversity has been a approaches with measure-oriented agri-environ- managed farms have declared goal of all countries, in order to de- mental schemes. A great opportunity for organic the potential for this. cisively combat the decline in species. It has farms! It will become more difficult for farmers also been accepted that this is a task for so- however to acquire the knowledge required for the ciety as a whole, which cannot be performed successful implementation of nature conservation by agriculture alone. measures. The manual should stand them in good stead. We also hope that the measures proposed In order to compensate for losses in income, the in the manual will – even with scarcer funds – be The ‘Nature Conser federal states of Germany offer financial, usually offered in future within the framework of agri-envi- vation Farm’ idea: measure-oriented support through agri-environ- ronmental programmes or nature conservation by To observe production mental programmes and nature conservation by contract. as a whole, attract new contract. These voluntary contractual agreements Working in a harmonious landscape with living customers and remain go beyond the standards given in the framework nature – we hope very much that this manual is pioneers Effective nature con- of the ‘Cross Compliance’ regulations. Admitted- able to support people in their efforts for the pres- servation programmes ly, the programmes which organic farms would ervation of biodiversity. funded by the EU and qualify for are often not sufficiently aligned with the German federal the farming requirements and the specific nature states which target conservation challenges of this kind of farming organic farming have system. so far been in short As money is generally scarce moreover, new supply. This could strategies to increase the effectiveness of agri- change soon. environmental programmes will be necessary in future. Result-oriented approaches are increasingly being discussed, i.e. payments should be made dependent upon whether the desired nature conservation effects actually occur. It is also to be expected that available resources will flow predominantly into regions which are valuable from a nature conservation viewpoint, and there to farms whose carefully targeted measures can bring about visible successes for nature conservation. At present, result-oriented approaches predominantly exist in the sector of the biodiversity of plants (for example the promotion of species- rich grassland in Baden-Württemberg). Animals are mobile and can only be recorded at considerable expense. They are thus less easy to include in such concepts. Moreover, most agri-environmental measures are currently subject to certain EU standards in the structure and calculation of their 22 premiums: Funding is currently oriented towards 23 Legume-grass leys as a habitat High proportion of legumes Farmland birds prefer to build their nests beneath dicotyledonous plants offering good cover. The Common Blue gladly lays its eggs on clover-species and lucerne.

The composition of legume-grass leys from different crop species with different growth heights leads to a very favourable vegetation structure for wild animals. For example farmland birds: They find suitable landing places to reach their nests, and good opportunities for movement and good visibility on the ground for them to hunt or to flee from enemies.

High ecological potential The potential for nature conservation in legume-grass leys is extraordinarily high, as almost all of the species presented in this manual (and many others) often settle here in above-average numbers in comparison with other field crops. All farmland bird species, the Brown Hare, the Common Blue and grasshoppers are among them. Legume-grass alongside small water bodies is used by Insect-rich habitats No tillage Soft, thin stalks the Tree Frog, Fire-bellied Toad and Common Spadefoot Farmland birds such as Common Spadefoot Toads, not in rows Toad as a summer habitat. Large populations of mice the Corn Bunting and butterfly caterpillars and Leverets, young farmland and small mammals can develop, especially in perennial the Red-backed Shrike, eggs of saltatoria survive birds and young amphibians cultivation, which are within easy reach of and an indis- which breeds in hedges, the winter in the soil, which are not yet very pensable source of food in the legume-grass leys for the find sufficient food for in the litter layer or inside mobile can move around Screech Owl, Common Buzzard, Red Kite or Lesser Spot- their young, who are only plant stalks. easily on the ground and ted Eagle. When clover and lucerne blossom, they are fed on protein-rich inverte- at the same time find used extensively as nectar plants by a multitude of but- brates during their first shelter near to the ground. terflies. Partridge, Corn Bunting and Brown Hare also live few weeks. here in winter and find sufficient food and cover in the 24 mixtures. Significance for agriculture flight behaviour towards the mowing machinery; young Legume-grass is cultivated on 20 to 40 % of the arable land amphibians dry out on the sparsely covered fields after on organic farms. For the farms, it is the most important mowing. Farmland birds cannot at first build new nests source of nitrogen and the basic protein and energy fod- in the low vegetation. Bird species such as the Whinchat der for the livestock. Frequently it is undersown in spring and Yellow Wagtail, amphibians and many insects migrate in cereals. On stockless farms, the usually one-year-old from the mown fields. The customary mowing dates can crops are mulched several times during the year. A two- therefore result in a reproductive rate that is too low or year cycle is customary for livestock farming. Mowing is significantly worsen living conditions. carried out three to at most four times a year for the production of high-quality fodder in north-east Germany. The Conservation measures are worthwhile After the harvesting 1st cut takes place around 10th May, the 2nd cut about The negative consequences of cultivation can be reduced of cereals, the five or six weeks later, and the 3rd cut in August. by appropriate measures so that the species can repro- Partridge has no With an optimal 1st cutting date, the energy content duce sufficiently and their long-term preservation isen- food and shelter necessary for feeding dairy cattle is usually higher than sured. At the same time, nature conservation measures on large parts the 6.0 MJ NEL / kg DM required; the fibre content should in legume-grass leys are very efficient as many species of the farm area. not exceed 25 %. These values are not often reached in and individuals can be reached on each field. The recom- During this time, the 2nd cut even with a favourable cutting date. As the mended measures are explained in more detail in profiles it can withdraw into 1st cut also brings the highest yield, it contributes deci- M 1 to M 6 and M 14. the legume-grass sively to the success of a dairy farm. leys for example. Advantages and disadvantages of mowing Conservation strategies Usual management practice has both advantages and The conservation measures follow three strategies: disadvantages for the wild animals. On the one hand, mowing thins out the vegetation several times a year and  Adaptation of the  Changes of the  Preservation of brings new growth at times when other crops already cutting times to the cutting height, mowing refuge areas, breed- either have dense and high levels of growth, or do not breeding seasons direction and speed ing areas, cover and provide favourable living conditions for animals follow- of the farmland birds in order to minimize food during and after ing threshing or ploughing operations. This certainly suits and the Brown Hare direct losses among mowing for all leg- ground-breeding birds for example, which require low to with the aim of ensur- broods, young birds ume-grass dwellers medium height crops for their nest sites between April ing that the most im- and leverets, amphib- by leaving strips un- until July. Grasshopper larvae which hatch in the summer portant times have ians and insects. mown or by sowing also benefit from the increase in light and warmth which a phase undisturbed At the same time the blossom strips. penetrates through to the ground after mowing, and hunt- by cultivation which deterioration in habitat ers of mice and insects find ideal conditions for hunting suffices to raise at is less drastic for the in the low crops. least one annual brood ground-dwelling On the other hand however, there is also a large poten- or a kindle of leverets. and ground-breeding tial threat, as the customary cutting dates fall in the repro- Moreover the periods wildlife. ductive season of the species and mowing leads to losses of rest and migration among the animals living or breeding on the ground and of amphibians are tak- their young. Thus for example, only about half of the Sky- en into consideration. lark broods and one-quarter of the Yellow Wagtail broods survive the mowing processes. Up to more than two- thirds of the saltatoria are injured, killed or collected along 26 with the plant biomass. The leverets do not yet display Grain crops as a habitat Obligatory habitat Most of the segetal flora in central Europe are strictly bound Wild animals and to arable crops as a habitat. Typical species found in winter plants find a suit- cereals, such as Forking Larkspur or Fingered Speedwell, prefer able habitat in to germinate in the autumn; they are not found at all in spring relatively low, cereals or only in small quantities. The majority of the segetal varied cereals and species germinating in spring however can be found both grain legumes. in winter and in spring cereals. Skylarks, Corn Buntings and Yellow Wagtails can raise more offspring successfully in spring crops than in most Large variety of plants winter cereals. The segetal flora are fundamentally dependent upon agri culture. It is regular soil tillage that provides them – in the same way as the crop plants – with suitable site conditions. These plants grow especially well on organically farmed fields because no herbicides are used, and because the competition for light and space for rooting from the crop plants is less intense than in conventional farming systems. The gappier the crop and the more open the soil, the higher the seed production of rare segetal species for example.

Spring crops and mixtures Most of the species presented in this manual prefer crop species or varieties which remain relatively low and do not form dense, homogeneous stands. Spring cereals and grain legumes rarely grow above 40 cm before the end of May, and their coverage ratio is also approximately 40 %. Mixtures in particular are often rich in species and Short-stemmed cereals Abundance of insect Sparse, herb– individuals because the composition of different crops Yellow Wagtails and Corn fauna rich crops supports a diversified structure. Buntings settle particularly Organic grain offers food Brown Hares also have frequently in spring crops. and habitat for insects sufficient freedom of move- Winter cereals With tall wild plants such as on a large-scale and thus, ment in mature crops and Winter cereals on the other hand – especially on homo- thistle or mugwort towering for example, also for farm- find suitable plant nourish- geneous, rich soils – with a standard sowing density of- here and there above the land birds: The birds are ment. Young farmland birds ten develop thick and high stands early in the year, which crop, which serve as perches dependent upon inverte- not yet capable of flight can are unattractive for most animal species. Winter rye and for resting and hunting, brates as nourishment also move around easily. triticale reach a height of more than 40 cm by the begin- optimal nesting sites can be for nestlings. ning of May and a coverage ratio of well above 50 %; they found in the middle of the 28 reach their maximum height by the beginning of June. field. Systematically improving quality for wild animals and plants Losses, above all of young animals and of segetal flora, can be brought about by operations such as harrowing, hoeing, ploughing or stubble breaking. Late ripening plants such as Field Nigella and Field Madder are dependent upon being able to complete fructification on the stubble after harvesting, early stubble breaking is therefore unfa- vourable. Ploughing near small water bodies can have fa- tal consequences for migrating European Tree Frogs and Fire-bellied Toads, which have to cross the field to reach their winter quarters. Customary soil management operations generally represent a threat for leverets which are not very mobile, and as a result of its extended reproduc- Inconspicuous and tive season from March to September, there is a temporal rare: The low-grow- Crop densities of 250 to 350 ear-carrying stalks per m2, vegetation heights overlap for the Brown Hare with the presence of leverets ing Field Nigella can of less than one metre and low yields of up to 3 t ha –1 provide an ideal in all grain crops. Farmland bird broods on the other hand be found on fields in habitat. Then there are sufficient wild plants with the corresponding insects are only at risk in crops with very late harrowing dates or north-east Germany to provide cover and food, and sufficient light and freedom of movement from soil management after early harvesting. primarily on eroded on the ground for Brown Hares, ground-breeding birds or migrating Targeted changes in farm management procedures and hilltops and at the amphibians. management times thus provide good opportunities to edges of fields. support many of the species presented in this manual. Significance for agriculture The large area of the farm taken up by grain crops makes Grain crops are cultivated on 50 to 80 % of the arable land nature conservation measures profitable, especially in on organic farms. The spectrum of crop species is diverse crop species or at locations with great ecological poten- because winter and spring cereals as well as grain leg- tial. The recommended measures are explained in more umes are usually cultivated within five to eight-year crop detail in the profiles M 7 to M 14. rotations. Winter cereals dominate as a result of the higher stability of the yield. On light soils, winter rye is frequently cultivated on more than 50 % of the fields under cereals, Conservation strategies alongside triticale, winter wheat, spelt and winter barley, The conservation measures follow two strategies: according to site quality. Oats, wheat and barley, various grain legumes (incl. lupines, peas) and their mixtures are  The reduction of cropping oper  The creation of favourable cultivated as spring crops. Grain legumes contribute to ations or adaptation of management crop plant densities from a nature the supply of nitrogen like legume-grass leys. dates to the reproductive periods of conservation viewpoint, in order Customary management comprises different opera- wild animals and plants with the goal to positively influence the site tions depending upon the crop species cultivated: Stub- of minimizing direct losses among conditions for segetal flora and ble breaking of the previous crop, fertilizing, soil manage- young animals (e.g. Brown Hares, the habitat quality for the ground- ment and seedbed preparation, sowing of the main crop farmland birds, amphibians) and to dwelling fauna. and catch crops, mechanical weed control and harvesting. enable late blossoming segetal flora Crop development and yields are subject to very big vari- to reach seed maturity. ations according to their position in the crop rotation, the soil quality, climate situation, crop species, sowing den- 30 sity and date and management intensity. Landscape elements as a habitat Blossom-rich habitats Butterflies and wild bees also find nectar rich blossoms Landscape ele- in field margins and other herbaceous landscape elements ments structure when the adjacent fields have been harvested. the landscape and offer numerous partial habitats for birds, hares, butterflies and other animals.

Diversity of the landscape elements Hedges, bushes, copses, rows of trees, edges of forests, ditches, embankments, field margins, ruderal plots, fallow land, country lanes, clearance cairns, kettle holes, wet-spots, dry and neglected grassland on hilltops: There is a large variety of landscape elements in the agricultural landscape. They all form valuable, often indispensable partial habitats for the animals presented in this manual. Many of these biotopes serve farmland birds, Brown Hares, amphibians and insects as sites for reproduction, as sources of food, as protection against the wind and the sun to prevent drying out, as a hibernation site, or as a refuge area and protection, if the fields become unsuitable as a habitat (for example after the harvest or mowing). Saltatoria, butterflies and many other insects, whose larvae or eggs spend the winter in the ground, in the litter layer or in and on parts of plants, can for example survive Hedges and shrubs: No tillage, Connectivity the cold season in field margins or fallow land without Reproductive site little or no use of partial habitats damage. Many plant species are only found in landscape for many animals Butterfly caterpillars and Tree Frogs frequent the elements. This applies among other things to perennial Hedgerow birds such as the eggs of saltatoria survive water bodies in the spring; herbaceous vegetation, dry grassland and field margin Red-backed Shrike build the winter without damage however they spend the vegetation, aquatic plants, dwarf plant communities and their nests in dense bushy in the soil, in the litter layer summer and winter in naturally to wooded areas. This special plant life in turn hedges and shrubs, some- or inside plant stalks. hedges, groves or forests. attracts specific animals. A high proportion of different times also in strips of sting- They migrate most securely landscape elements therefore also always contributes to ing nettles. The Black along hedges or wooded a rich biodiversity. Hairstreak, along with field margins. numerous other insects, 32 lives on woody structures in the open landscape. Typical for north-east Germany: The Kettle Holes Take note of quantity and quality What is characteristic of the north-east German lowland The type and characteristics of landscape elements varies are the large numbers of kettle holes which emerged dur- according to the natural environment and the farm itself. ing the Ice Age. Today there are approximately 170,000 A minimum of at least 5 % of the farm area should how- of them in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Po- ever be available, ideally even 10 to 15 %. In addition merania alone. Kettle holes are special microclimatic sites. to the number of landscape elements, a significant role They are connecting elements and extraordinarily impor- is also played by their actual suitability as a habitat. For The kettle holes tant habitats for many species, also including endangered example, it is easy for predators such as the fox to sys- Field margins, embank- in the agricultural plant species, dragonflies, water beetles and amphibians. tematically seek out the nests of farmland and hedge- ments and dry grassland landscape are an row birds in very narrow hedges or field margins. Many with a high abundance indispensable Significance for agriculture animals and plants of the agricultural landscape require of blossoms and herbs, partial habitat for The different landscape elements have a multitude of dif- sparse or loosely standing and blossom-rich vegetation. are of particularly high the rare Fire-bel- ferent functions, also of benefit for agriculture. Thus kettle Such structures may usually only be preserved in the value from a nature con- lied Toad and many holes constitute a reservoir and a compensation space for longer-term on field margins, fallow land or dry grassland servation viewpoint. other amphibian the regional water balance. Hedges offer protection from through suitable maintenance. They give shelter to a species, which wind or water erosion. The trees can be used as a supplier It is therefore possible to preserve or improve the qual- large variety of rare plants frequent the water of fruit, forage, litter, compost or firewood. Field margins, ity of landscape elements through suitable maintenance, and insects and at the bodies every year dry grassland, fallow land, ditches or embankments can to and favourable characteristics can be taken into consider- same time offer favour- in the spring for some extent be used for haymaking and also help protect ation for new establishments. The recommended meas- able partial habitats courtship and against erosion. An important effect with high economic ures are explained in more detail in profiles M 4 to M 6 and to the typical wildlife reproduction. relevance exists in the promotion of beneficial organisms M 13 to M 18. of the fields. for the biological control of pests (for example, hoverflies and ladybirds as aphid eaters; spiders, ground beetles and rove beetles as non-specialist predators). These benefi- Conservation strategies cial organisms are dependent upon landscape elements The conservation measures follow three strategies: to survive the winter. The colonisation of the fields during the growing season depends upon the availability of such  The preservation  The new establish-  The optimisation of overwintering biotopes. and maintenance and / ment of temporary the arrangement and or supplementation of and / or permanent connection of existing Connectivity of biotopes the existing landscape landscape elements and newly established Migrating species and those that require different habi- elements, with the with the goal of landscape elements tats for survival, profit greatly if their partial habitats are goal of securing or achieving a share of so that an association near each other and are moreover connected, for exam- improving their quality 5 to 15 % of the farm between the partial ple by field margins and hedges. Also blossom strips or as a habitat for the wild area. The focus should habitats is promoted. unmown legume-grass strips can constitute temporary flora and fauna in the lie on the wood-free connective elements. Many butterflies migrate in search long-term. landscape elements of nectar preferably along forest edges or hedges, which such as field margins give them protection from the wind. The Red-backed and fallow land in order Shrike is reluctant to nest in isolated groves, whereas to preserve the open several couples often brood close to each other in spa- character of the north- tially connected hedges or shrubs with field margins and east German farm fields rich in insects. areas.

34 Profiles of the measures

The profiles of the measures describe inde- Complete listing tail how measures for the protection of species are to be implemented, how to estimate costs and losses incurred during implementation and Profiles of the measures Do you have special which advantages or risks arise for the farmer. In interests or farm a similar way to the species profiles, references Legume-grass leys M 1 Later 1st cut characteristics? are given to the most favourable locations for M 2 Later 2nd cut On the basis of the species. It is also made clear which species M 3 High cut specific research or species groups especially benefit from the M 4 Bird strips criteria you can allow measure. This makes it possible for the user, ac- M 5 Butterfly strips yourself to be guided cording to his interests and the situation of the M 6 Amphibian strips directly to the profiles farm, to target suitable fields and where appropri- which are of interest ate to select practical combinations of measures. Grain crops M 7 No harrowing to you. M 8 Drilling gaps Page 7 The profiles of the measures are followed by brief M 9 Reduced sowing density descriptions of further measures, which have not M 10 Delayed stubble breaking been prepared as two-page profiles, but are worthy M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing of mention due to their positive effects on many M 12 Reduced use of fertilizers and liming wild animal and plant species. Some of these M 13 Small-scale set-aside measures are not specifically oriented towards or- M 14 Blossom strips ganic farming, and detailed instructions are already available in other publications (for example, on Landscape M 15 Field margins on rich soils planting hedges). Other measures were not explic- elements M 16 Field margins on dry poor soils itly investigated in the ’Nature Conservation Farm M 17 Wood maintenance and management Brodowin’ project, so that there is insufficient sci- M 18 Buffer strips around water bodies entific evidence available concerning their ecological and economical effects in organic farming in Crop rotations M 19 More spring crops north-east Germany (e.g. large-scale overwinter M 20 Better distribution of crop species on smaller stubble). As the selection of the measures was fields carried out with a focus on the basic arable farming conditions prevalent in north-east Germany, the list can be extended to include other regions accord- Other relevant measures ing to site and farm conditions. Grain crops Overwinter stubble Leaving cereals over the winter on a small-scale Wet-spots in fields

Landscape elements Narrow field margins Planting hedges 36 37 Explanation of the profile of a measure

M 10 M 10 “Type of measure” large-scale “Who profits most” Delayed stubble breaking How to ensure the measure is successful Segetal flora Amphibians Brown Hare Farmland birds = on at least 10 ha or strong effect “ Assistance for late + developers” Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale Large-scale Large-scale 50 to 100 % of a field very strong effect Some rare segetal flora Field features – Water bodies, Wooded areas, Fallow land, + + species* from the Red wet-spots fallow land hedges small-scale Indicates for which spe- List, such as the Field Location Field boundaries, Not along roads At least 500 m At least 100 m Nigella or the Dwarf hilltops, hillsides from roads from the forest = on strips (3 to 20 m) in the cies or species groups Spurge do not blos- Soil quality Base-rich – Low to medium Low to medium som before the harvest or acidic soils field, at the edge of a field strong or very strong in summer and then develop ripe fruit on or water border or positive effects are to the stubble. In order Effect on yields to allow these species The yield losses on the area used 59 = on sub-areas on 1 to 10 % be expected from the to ripen, the stubble What needs to be done?i for the measure can amount to should not be broken 10 to 15 %. of a field measure. No entry until the autumn. This No stubble breaking before the middle also benefits young of September Advantages 36 means that only slight Brown Hare, migrat- – cost savings (working hours and 33  small-scale ing amphibians and fuel consumption) 27 “Field features” leave strips (approx. 10 m wide) positive effects are or seed-eating farmland – support of beneficial organisms out of management birds such as the Corn by increasing biodiversity and the The landscape elements or could be present (so- Bunting. This measure supply of flowers create small plots by lifting the equipment already has a great 2 indicated must be either on on sub-areas (approx. 10 m long) called windfall gains). effect on a small-scale Disadvantages beginning beginning of middle of the field or in the immediate on field margins.  large-scale – risk of weed infestation of August September September (particularly root spreading weeds) vicinity. high, therefore not on areas with Share in percent Technology not relevant problematic weeds Ripe fruit Blossoms – negative effects possible from Organisation little effort; instruction of a phytosanitary viewpoint “Location” employees; when aware of the occurrence of – no cultivation of catch crops Results from the Nature segetal flora requiring protection, the precise possible Conservation Farm project The measure should be carried Who profits most? selection and marking of the area is useful For example, Field Nigella: + + Segetal flora Most of its ripe fruit is not developed out with preference, depend- + Amphibians, Brown Hare, Time required gain in working hours if primary until September. farmland birds soil tillage follows immediately ing upon the species to be Duration at least 1 year, particularly favourable: supported, on the field areas Can be combined with three times within 5 years M 8 Drilling gaps Segetal flora Amphibians Brown Hare Farmland birds indicated or at an appropriate M 9 Reduced sowing * The following species also benefit in particular: Night-flowering Catchfly density (A 13), Field Madder (A 14), Dark Speedwell (A 14), Annual Woundwort distance from the forest or M 7 No harrowing (A 15), Kickxia and on sandy sites, Lamb’s Succory (A 17) roads.

“Can be combined with” Through the combination with one or more of the indicated measures, “Supported species “Results from the Nature the effectiveness can be and species groups” Conservation Farm project” significantly increased Here are the species or species An example from the scientific from a nature conservation groups that profit particularly results obtained in practice viewpoint. well from the measure. in Brodowin. Positive effects often also emerge for other, not explicitly listed, animal and plant species.

38 39 M 1 M 1

Later 1st cut How to ensure the measure is successful

„First broods Skylark Yellow Wagtail are the winners” Type of measure Large-scale Large-scale Farmland birds breed Field features* – Fallow land, hedges particularly well in legume-grass leys from Location At least 100 m from the forest At least 100 m from the forest the middle of April. Soil quality Low to medium Medium Many young birds have * Late cut should not be carried out near amphibian spawning areas, otherwise the 2nd mowing left their nests by the will fall during the migration period of the young amphibians. end of May. If the 1st cut is made Forage yield and quality Advantages by the end of May, Delaying the 1st cut reduces the – larger supply of blossoms it helps the Skylark What needs to be done?i energy content by around 0.5 MJ for (beneficial) insects in particular to repro- NEL kg –1 DM per week, the crude – staggering of work peaks duce successfully.  1st cut: 1 week later than normal practice fibre content increases by approx. – improved establishment The Yellow Wagtail or 2 to 3 weeks later than usual 3 %, the digestibility of the forage of leguminous fodder crops benefits above all from  2nd cut: normal practice or delayed thus decreases greatly. After a in the 1st production year. a very late 1st cut.  3rd cut: normal practice or delayed delay of 2 to 3 weeks the fodder is The measure is easy no longer suitable for dairy cattle, Disadvantages to carry out on stock- Mowing generally from within a field outwards resulting in losses of 15 to 25 GJ – additional forage production / less farms. Fields with or from one side to the other, so as to give the NEL ha –1. A higher cut however purchase necessary low soil rating indices wild animals an escape route would reduce the share of stalks – if the 1st cut is very late, problems should be selected and thereby the quality loss in the may arise with root spreading on livestock farms in 1st cut. Subsequent cuts will have weeds (particularly where there order to reduce fodder Technology existing technology useable a somewhat lower quality (see M 3). is prior weed infestation) losses. – probably no 4th cut if the 2nd Organisation little effort; instruction Application on the farm and 3rd cuts are delayed of employees required before the 1st cut – 1 week later: application with normal cut still possible, fodder for Common time 93 % Time required in animal husbandry: medium the young cattle period for 1st mowing to high, as separate harvesting of the 1st and – 2 to 3 weeks later: harvest field 40 % subsequent cuts is necessary; low on stockless separately, litter or horse hay farms 19 % 8 % Share of fully-fledged Duration 1 year 0 % young Skylarks in % 5 May 10 15 20 25 30 May

Results from the Nature Who profits most? Conservation Farm project Skylark Yellow Wagtail For example, the Skylark: 1st cut Skylark Yellow Wagtail A large number of its chicks are not Can be combined with 1 week later + fully-fledged until after the 1st usual M 3 High cut 2 to 3 weeks later + + + cutting date. M 2 M 2

Later 2nd cut How to ensure the measure is successful Skylark Corn Bunting Brown Hare “The 1st cut for the farmer, the 2nd cut Type of measure Large-scale Large-scale Large-scale for nature conser Field features* – Fallow land, hedges Wooded areas, vation” fallow land The Skylark begins Location At least 100 m At least 100 m At least 500 m nest building again 2 to What needs to be done?i from the forest from the forest from roads 3 weeks after the 1st Soil quality Low to medium Medium Low to medium legume-grass cut, the  1st cut: normal practice Corn Bunting after 3 to * Late cut should not be carried out near amphibian spawning areas, otherwise the 2nd mowing will  2nd cut: fall during the migration period of the young amphibians. 4 weeks. It takes about 7 or 8 weeks after the 1st cut or leaving out 5 weeks for both spe- the 2nd cut altogether and then a mainte- cies before the nest- nance cut from the middle of August Forage yield and quality Disadvantages lings are fully fledged.  3rd cut: normal practice or delayed With a delay of up to 8 weeks after – additional forage production / Therefore the later the the 1st cut, the energy content can purchase necessary 2nd cut, the more Mowing generally from within a field out- drop below 5.2 MJ NEL kg –1 DM, – if the 1st cut is very late, problems chicks survive. The wards or from one side to the other, so as the crude fibre content increases may arise with root spreading same applies to young to give the wild animals an escape route. significantly, meaning that the forage weeds (particularly where there Brown Hare leverets is no longer suitable for the dairy is prior weed infestation) that are born in May cattle. The energy loss then – one fewer cut may be possible if and June. The normal Technology existing technology useable; amounts to up to 20 GJ NEL ha –1. the 3rd cut is delayed good yield and quality on low-yield sites, the direct placing of one 6 m of the 1st cut remains or 9 m swath can be advantageous.* Application on the farm Breeding success of the Skylark unaffected. – 7 weeks after the 1st cut: applica- The measure is easy Organisation little effort; instruction of tion with customary cut still pos- Forage employees required before the 2nd cut quality to carry out on stock- sible, fodder for the young cattle less farms; fields with Time required in animal husbandry: medium as – 8 weeks after the 1st cut and low soil rating indices separate harvesting is necessary for the 2nd and later: litter or horse hay should be selected where applicable 3rd cut; low on stockless farms Common 7 8 no on livestock farms in Advantages practice weeks weeks 2nd cut order to reduce fodder Duration 1 year – greater supply of blossoms Interval between 1st and 2nd cut losses. for (beneficial) insects – staggering of work peaks Results from the Nature Conservation * This also benefits farmland birds as a small part of the field is covered with plant biomass and therefore fewer nests are untraceably covered. Farm project For example, the Skylark: The later the 2nd cut, the more young Skylarks survive. However the quality of the fodder drops considerably.

Who profits most? 2nd cut: Skylark Corn Bunting Brown Hare 7 weeks after 1st cut + + + Skylark Corn Bunting Brown Hare 8 weeks after 1st cut + + + + + no 2nd cut + + + + + + M 3 M 3

High cut How to ensure the measure is successful Farmland birds Brown Hare Amphibians Common Blue/ “Compromise for Grasshoppers wild animals and Type of measure Large-scale Large-scale Small-scale Small-scale livestock” If the cutting height Field features* Fallow land, Wooded areas, Water bodies, Field margins hedges fallow land wet spots in legume-grass is What needs to be done?i increased, fewer nests Location At least At least Not along South-facing 100 m from 500 m from roads field boundaries and of ground-breeding  1st or 2nd cut: 14 cm cutting height, use the forest roads slopes, hilltops birds are endangered. of runners on the mower (ground clearance Soil quality Low to medium Low to medium – Low to medium Moreover the farm- of at least 8 cm required for the mower) land birds can build to protect farmland birds and Brown Hare new nests again in Forage yield and quality Advantages the higher vegetation  2nd and 3rd cut: cutting height of at least With a cutting height of 14 cm for – lower contamination during har- sooner after mowing. 10 cm to protect amphibians, grasshoppers the 1st cut, the dry matter yield vesting (above all in silage) With a standard cut- and the Common Blue per year drops by around 0.5 to – somewhat better fodder quality ting height, they do 1.0 t ha –1, the energy yield drops – the 2nd cut represents less of not begin nest building Mowing generally from within a field out- by approx. 5 GJ NEL ha –1. Fodder a risk for farmland birds, as they again until after 2 to 4 wards or from one side to the other, so as quality increases however as a were able to start nest building weeks. Leverets and to give the wild animals an escape route. result of the high cut (compared again sooner after the 1st cut amphibians retain their to a cutting height of 7 cm: approx. – one additional cut may be possible cover with a high cut, 0.3 MJ NEL kg –1 DM higher energy and the eggs of the Technology mowers with adjustable cutting content, approx. 2 % less crude Disadvantages Common Blue remain heights required* fibre content). Subsequent cuts will – additional investment may be re- unharmed. have a somewhat lower quality. quired to modify the cutting height This measure can be Organisation little effort; instruction of – additional forage production / pur- employees required before the respective high easily implemented Application on the farm chase necessary cut on stockless farms. no restrictions Livestock farms must Time required medium due to the equipment take yield losses into conversion More successful first More successful broods, improved second broods account. Due to the fodder quality lower proportion of Duration 1 year stalks the fodder qual- 1st cut 2nd cut 3rd cut 4th cut ity is however better. high normal normal possible * If growth heights are low (for example, as a result of a dry spring) the measure cannot be carried out as described. In this case mowing Nest building starts should additionally be delayed by one week. Results from the Nature For example, the Skylark: Following the high cut, it can soon Conservation Farm breed again in the higher vegetation and can raise its young Who profits most? project without interference before the 2nd customary cut. High cut Farmland Brown Amphibians Common Blue/ birds Hare Grasshoppers Farmland birds Brown Hare Amphibians Common Blue Can be combined with 1st cut + + M 10 Bird strips 2nd cut + + + + + M 11 Blossom strips 3rd cut + + + + M 4 M 4

Bird strips How to ensure the measure is successful Farmland birds Red-backed Shrike Brown Hare Saltatoria/ “Moderate mowing” Butterflies When unmown strips Field features Fallow land, Hedges, copses, Wooded areas, Field margins remain in the field hedges field margins, fallow land during legume-grass fallow land mowing, farmland Location At least 100 m – At least 500 m South-facing birds, Brown Hare and from the forest from roads field boundaries insects retain their and slopes sources of food and What needs to be done?i Soil quality Low to medium – Low to medium Low to medium places for nesting, shelter and overwinter-  Not mowing 10 m wide strips 100 m apart ing. What is important The strips remain for one or two winters and Losses and application Share of farmland birds’ to the animals is that are mown and / or mulched with the 3rd cut on the farm nests with breeding success the strips are retained the following summer With 10 % of the field given over until the following to bird strips, energy losses of year: The Whinchat  There are three possible variants 4 to 5 GJ NEL ha –1 and year arise; for example, prefers 1. Establishment of strips from August application as litter or horse hay; to breed in such over in the 1st production year until August seed production possible if weed 50 % wintering crops. of the following year (= overwintering) infestation is low. The measure is easy or to implement. Apart 2. Establishment of strips already in the Advantages from the strips the field autumn of the sowing year until August – greater supply of blossoms 17 % can be farmed without of the 1st production year (= overwinter- for (beneficial) insects restrictions. ing) – flexible selection between In bird On the or different measure variants strips field 3. Establishment of strips in the autumn of the sowing year until August of the Disadvantages Results from the Nature 2nd production year (= perennial) – loss of production area Conservation Farm project – additional forage production / For example, farmland birds: purchase necessary Yellow Wagtails, Whinchats and Corn Technology adapt strip width to suit machine – risk of weed infestation with root Buntings breed considerably more Who profits most? working width spreading weeds (particularly successfully in the bird strips than in + + Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, where there is prior weed legume-grass leys which are customarily Saltatoria Organisation medium effort; instruction of infestation) managed. + Corn Bunting, Red-backed employees and marking of strips required Shrike, Brown Hare, Butterflies Time required low on stockless farms if growth is mulched; medium, if fields are separately mown / harvested Farmland birds Red-backed Shrike Brown Hare Saltatoria Can be combined with Duration 1 to 2 years M 3 High cut M 1, 2 Later cut M 5 M 5

Butterfly strips How to ensure the measure is successful Butterflies Saltatoria “Seemingly little can be a lot!” Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale Clover and lucerne in Field features Field margins, edges of woods Field margins blossom are an excel- Location South-facing field boundaries South-facing field boundaries lent source of nectar and slopes and slopes for many butterflies. What needs to be done?i Soil quality Low to medium Low to medium Furthermore some species, such as the  Not mowing a 3 m strip at the edge of Common Blue, also the field (on approx. 1 % of the whole field) lay their eggs on the Losses and application on the farm plants. The eggs and  Increase of the supply of flowers through As a result of the low proportion of land used, losses are slight larvae of many insects the gradual enlargement of the strip (< 0.5 GJ NEL ha –1 yr –1); the growth can be added to the fodder can survive the cold 1st cut: a 1 m strip is not mown during mowing or used as litter. season on overwinter- 2nd cut: a further 1 m strip is left unmown ing plants. Even small beside the first Advantages unmown areas at the 3rd cut: a third 1 m strip is left unmown – small land requirement edges of fields, par- beside the others – flexible choice of duration of the measure according to crop developement ticularly in sunny sites which are protected The strip is retained until the 3rd cut Disadvantage from the wind, help of the following year. It can however also – risk of weed infestation with root spreading weeds to meet these require- be mowed and harvested in the autumn (particularly where there is prior weed infestation) ments. of the same year. The measure can easily Mean 18.7 be integrated into cul- number of tivation, and significant Technology existing technology useable butterflies per 100 m results can be achieved (after the from only a small area. Organisation medium effort; instruction 2nd cut) of employees and marking of strips required Results from the Nature Time required low on stockless farms if growth Conservation Farm project is mulched; low to medium if the area is mown / For example, butterflies: The butterflies find 1.4 harvested separately more nectar in the butterfly strips after mowing On legume- In butterfly than in normally farmed legume-grass leys. grass fields strips

Who profits Duration 1 to 2 years most? + + Butterflies + Saltatoria Butterflies Saltatoria Can be combined with M 3 High cut M 1, 2 Later cut M 6 M 6

Amphibian strips How to ensure the measure is successful Amphibians Butterflies / Saltatoria Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale Field features Water bodies, wet-spots Field margins, edges of woods Location Buffer strips around water bodies, South-facing field boundaries not along roads and slopes Soil quality – Low to medium “Small but effective” Extensively used buffer strips at the edges Forage yield and quality Advantages of small water bodies Through the higher 1st and 2nd cuts – lower contamination when har- are important habitats as well as by forgoing the 3rd cut, vesting fodder from a high cut for amphibians in the What needs to be done?i a loss of approx. 15 to 20 GJ NEL – reduction of the nutrient summer and winter. ha –1 is incurred on the buffer strips. contamination of the water bodies These animals can be  Cultivation of a 20 m wide buffer strip The fodder quality is somewhat – due to the small proportion of land specifically protected around a water body in legume-grass leys better with the higher cut. used, losses are localised during the legume- 1 to 2 cuts before July, cutting height at grass phase by minor least 10 cm, no 3rd cut, maintenance cut Application on the farm Disadvantages changes in the man- from October; removal of plant biomass to – 1st and 2nd cut (before July) can – additional investment may be re- agement of the areas give the amphibians sufficient opportunities be used without restrictions quired to modify the cutting height near the banks of to move around – maintenance cut in October – if the 2nd cut can no longer be water bodies. as litter or horse hay made in June because of the or Saltatoria and butter- weather, the loss for livestock flies also benefit from grazing (e.g. sheep, goats) at any time farms is considerably greater these buffer strips. In addition, the potential contamination of Technology mowers with adjustable cutting Proportion ( %) 54 the water body with heights required of the water soil and nutrients from bodies where the field is minimised. Organisation medium effort; marking of reproduction is successful the buffer strips and instruction of employees (European at each cutting date required Results from the Nature Tree Frog) Conservation Farm project Time required medium to high due to equipment For example, the European Tree Frog: 11 conversion (high cut); maintenance cut in the It prefers water bodies with buffer Water bodies Water bodies without with Who profits autumn and removal of plant biomass strips for reproduction. buffer strips buffer strips most? + + Amphibians Duration 1 to 2 years, depending upon + Butterflies, Saltatoria the duration of the legume-grass cultivation Amphibians Butterflies Saltatoria Can be combined with M 3 High cut – large-scale M 7 M 7

No harrowing How to ensure the measure is successful Segetal flora Farmland birds Brown Hare “More diversity Type of measure Small or large-scale Large-scale Large-scale without harrowing” Field features – Fallow land, hedges Wooded areas, Not harrowing has a fallow land positive effect on many What needs to be done?i Location Field boundaries, hilltops, At least 100 m At least 500 m from segetal flora species. hillsides from the forest roads The segetal flora serve  No pre- or postemergence harrowing Soil quality – Low to medium Low to medium various animal species or as cover, food, perches or songposts as well  No postemergence harrowing Effect on yields as nesting plants; rea- (blind harrowing permitted) Where there is no harrowing at all, sons why animals such yield losses of 10 to 20 % can be small-scale Number of wild plants per m² as farmland birds and expected on the area used for the as a strip: with a width of approx. 10 m in spring wheat Brown Hare also ben- measure; winter rye, triticale and or efit from no harrowing. oats are the most tolerant, grain 20.6 as a small plot: lift the harrows 2 to 3 times The Corn Bunting and legumes on the other hand are per hectare for a length of approx. 10 m Yellow Wagtail do not particularly sensitive. 14.6 start nest building until large-scale after the usual harrow- on the whole field or on at least 10 ha Advantages ing dates. Only the – cost savings (working hours and Skylark, which starts fuel consumption) breeding as early as Technology not relevant – support of beneficial organisms April, can suffer nest by increasing biodiversity and the losses in some crop Organisation little effort; instruction supply of flowers harrowed not harrowed species (winter wheat, of employees and marking of field areas – flexibility in the selection of the spring cereals) as a for small-scale implementation required scope of the measure according to result of harrowing. conservation goal and agricultural Results from the Nature Time required gain in working hours with risks Conservation Farm project large-scale implementation For example, Segetal flora: Disadvantage Up to 30 % more wild plants grow on – the risk of weed infestation is unharrowed fields than on harrowed fields. Duration 1 year high, therefore not to be used on areas with problematic weeds

Who profits most? No harrowing Segetal Farmland Brown Segetal flora Farmland birds Brown Hare flora birds Hare … in postemergence + + + … in pre- and postemergence + + + + + + M 8 M 8

Drilling gaps How to ensure the measure is successful Segetal flora Farmland birds Brown Hare “The courage to leave gaps” Type of measure Small or large-scale Large-scale Large-scale In crops with unsown Field features – Fallow land, hedges Wooded areas, sub-areas, segetal flora fallow land – including vulnerable Location Field boundaries, At least 100 m At least 500 m species – have more hilltops, hillsides from the forest from roads light upon which to Soil quality – Low to medium Low to medium thrive. Farmland birds and Brown Hare can reproduce better; the Effect on yields food supply is more What needs to be done?i The yield losses on the area used abundant. Drilling gaps for the measure can amount to provide the prerequi- Creation of drilling gaps during sowing 10 to 15 %. site for this and even  small or large-scale on a small-scale have Advantages as strips: leave a gap of 30 to 50 cm very positive effects – support of beneficial organisms between the rows acc. to drill width 332 Flowers at the same time as by increasing biodiversity and (staggered driving) and fruits minor, easily calculated the supply of flowers per m² or yield losses. – flexibility in the selection of the closing of 2 to 3 drill coulters according Common sowing scope of the measure according to density to the distance between drill rows conservation goal and agricultural Without sowing  small-scale risks as a small plot: lift the seed drill for a distance of approx. 10 m at 2 to 3 places Disadvantage per hectare – the risk of weed infestation is high, therefore not to be used 129 No mechanical weed control in the spaces on fields with problematic weeds between the rows. The measure is not suitable 82 for fields with underseed. 68

26 Results from the Nature 15 Technology existing technology useable Conservation Farm project For example, Forking Larkspur: Level field Medium Hilltop slope plateau Organisation medium effort; instruction of The plant develops more fruits and flowers in employees and marking of field areas for small- gaps between rows than with the customary scale implementation required sowing density Who profits most? Time required low to medium according + + Segetal flora to available technology and measure variant Segetal flora Farmland birds Brown Hare + Farmland birds, Brown Hare Duration 1 year M 9 M 9

Reduced How to ensure the measure is successful sowing Farmland birds Brown Hare Segetal flora density Type of measure Large-scale Large-scale Small-scale Field features Fallow land, hedges Wooded areas, – “Light brings diversity fallow land into the dark” Location At least 100 m At least 500 m Field boundaries, Many wild animals and What needs to be done?i from the forest from roads hilltops, hillsides plants find favourable Soil quality Low to medium Low to medium – living conditions in Reduction of the seed quantity by 30 to 50 % ‘sparse’ cereal stands. in order to achieve lower crop densities Segetal flora species Effect on yields  small-scale have more light and By reducing seed quantity by 50 %, as a strip: on 2 to 3 sowing widths less competition. The yield losses of 20 to 40 % can be or more diverse vegeta- expected on the area used for the as a small plot: for a distance of approx. tion structure attracts measure. It must be taken into 10 m at 2 to 3 places per hectare the Brown Hare and consideration that early sown winter Number of farmland birds farmland birds as the  large-scale cereals in particular, with a good 4 food supply is also on the whole field N-supply from preceding crops, greater. or on at least 10 ha can compensate for lower seed Even on a small-scale, quantities through increased tillering. biodiversity and the No mechanical weed control. The measure is supply of blossoms not suitable for fields with underseed. The ef- Advantages 1.9 can be significantly fect is especially apparent with late seedings – support of beneficial organisms improved and seed through less tillering. by increasing biodiversity and the costs saved by reduc- supply of flowers ing the seed quantity. – flexibility in the selection of the Fields contain- Fields Technology existing technology useable; when scope of the measure according to ing strips with without establishing small plots: pneumatic seed drill conservation goal and agricultural sowing density strips necessary risks halved

Organisation medium effort; instruction of Disadvantage Results from the Nature employees and marking of field areas for small- – the risk of weed infestation Conservation Farm project W ho profits scale implementation required is high, therefore not to be used For example farmland birds: More most? on areas with problematic weeds species settle on fields where the + Farmland birds Time required low to medium according to sowing density is halved than on + + Brown Hare available technology and measure variant those with standard sowing densities. + + Segetal flora Duration 1 year

Farmland birds Brown Hare Segetal flora

Can be combined with M 14 Blossom strips M 10 M 10

Delayed stubble breaking How to ensure the measure is successful Segetal flora Amphibians Brown Hare Farmland birds “Assistance for late developers” Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale Large-scale Large-scale Some rare segetal flora Field features – Water bodies, Wooded areas, Fallow land, species* from the Red wet-spots fallow land hedges List, such as the Field Location Field boundaries, Not along roads At least 500 m At least 100 m Nigella or the Dwarf hilltops, hillsides from roads from the forest Spurge do not blos- Soil quality Base-rich – Low to medium Low to medium som before the harvest or acidic soils in summer and then develop ripe fruit on the stubble. In order Effect on yields to allow these species The yield losses on the area used 59 to ripen, the stubble What needs to be done?i for the measure can amount to should not be broken 10 to 15 %. until the autumn. This No stubble breaking before the middle also benefits young of September Advantages 36 Brown Hare, migrat- – cost savings (working hours and 33  small-scale ing amphibians and fuel consumption) 27 leave strips (approx. 10 m wide) seed-eating farmland – support of beneficial organisms out of management birds such as the Corn by increasing biodiversity and the or Bunting. This measure supply of flowers create small plots by lifting the equipment already has a great 2 on sub-areas (approx. 10 m long) effect on a small-scale Disadvantages beginning beginning of middle of on field margins.  large-scale – risk of weed infestation of August September September (particularly root spreading weeds) high, therefore not on areas with Share in percent Technology not relevant problematic weeds Ripe fruit Blossoms – negative effects possible from Organisation little effort; instruction of a phytosanitary viewpoint employees; when aware of the occurrence of – no cultivation of catch crops Results from the Nature segetal flora requiring protection, the precise possible Conservation Farm project Who profits most? selection and marking of the area is useful For example, Field Nigella: + + Segetal flora Most of its ripe fruit is not developed + Amphibians, Brown Hare, Time required gain in working hours if primary until September. farmland birds soil tillage follows immediately

Duration at least 1 year, particularly favourable: Can be combined with three times within 5 years M 8 Drilling gaps Segetal flora Amphibians Brown Hare Farmland birds M 9 Reduced sowing * The following species also benefit in particular: Night-flowering Catchfly density (A 13), Field Madder (A 14), Dark Speedwell (A 14), Annual Woundwort M 7 No harrowing (A 15), Kickxia and on sandy sites, Lamb’s Succory (A 17) M 11 M 11

Grubbing How to ensure the measure is successful instead of Amphibians Farmland birds Brown Hare ploughing Type of measure Small-scale Large-scale Large-scale Field features Water bodies, wet-spots Fallow land, hedges Wooded areas, “Introduction to non- fallow land inverting tillage” Location Not along roads At least 100 m At least 500 m In particular the from the forest from roads Common Spadefoot Soil quality – Low to medium Low to medium Toad, but also the Euro- pean Tree Frog, the Fire-bellied Toad and Effect on yields many other amphib- Yield losses can amount to 10 to 15 % in the year the measure is ians benefit if the area What needs to be done?i implemented. Losses in yields may also be expected in subsequent years. around water bodies are not ploughed in Forgo ploughing once more than is custom- Advantages the spring and late ary within the scope of the crop rotation, – cost savings (working hours and fuel consumption) summer. If tillage and grub twice instead – support of beneficial organisms by increasing biodiversity and the supply operations are not of flowers  small-scale carried out upon the as a strip around water bodies (20 m wide) entire field, more Disadvantages wild plant flora often  large-scale – increased risk of root spreading weeds especially with prior weed develop. Farmland infestation birds and Brown Hare – negative effects possible from a phytosanitary viewpoint find the living condi- Technology existing technology useable tions on such fields Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Migration of adult toads more favourable. One Organisation little effort; instruction of em- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Habitat of adult toads ploughing operation ployees required. The marking out of the Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Habitat of toadlets less within the crop area required for the measure is necessary rotation already brings for small-scale implementation. On the field In the water bodies or winter habitat benefits for the animals and at the same Time required gain in working hours with time saves energy and large-scale implementation Results from the Nature Conservation Farm project costs. For example, the Common Spadefoot Toad: The animals live on the field Duration 1 year within the scope from March to October and are then endangered by the tillage operations. of the crop rotation

Who profits most? Amphibians Farmland birds Brown Hare + + Amphibians + Farmland birds, Brown Hare M 12 M 12

Reduced use of fertilizers and liming Effect on yields How to ensure the measure The Lamb’s Succory community is successful “Protection of only occurs on marginal sites where Lamb’s Succory Lamb’s Succory intensification usually brings few communities” economic advantages. Even here Type of measure Small-scale Several very rare seg- however, the preservation of this Field features – etal flora species such segetal plant community is only Location – as the endangered possible if the measure is carried Soil quality Acidic sandy soils Lamb’s Succory (A 17) out on a permanent basis. Annual are only found on yield losses of up to 25 % are to be extensively used acidic expected on the area used for the sandy soils which measure. are low in nutrients. Lamb’s Succory prefers Advantages Disadvantages a pH-value below 5, What needs to be done?i – if the existence of the Lamb’s – potential gradual soil acidification a very critical boundary Succory community is known, – at field boundaries potential for crop plants. A main  Reduce use of fertilizers and liming a high rate of success can be conflict of objectives with the part of the worldwide Standard site maintenance application every achieved on very small sub-areas establishment of permanent field population of Lamb’s 5 to 10 years; no mechanical weed control of a field margins (see M 16 and p. 133) Succory occurs in – losses can be limited locally north-east Germany, Carried out on sites of at least 0.1 ha with highlighting the impor- (potential) occurrences of Lamb’s Succory tance of protecting this species. The preserva- Specialist advice should be taken to aid the se- Results from the Nature tion of Lamb’s Succory lection of the site and the specific management Conservation Farm project Soil parameters Range communities on small measures. For example, Lamb’s Succory: pH value 4.0 to 4.5 areas can be achieved It is found at sites with very low pH values Phosphorus (mg/100g) 3.0 to 5.3 by reducing the use of and a low phosphorus and potassium content. Potassium (mg/100g) 3.5 to 7.1 fertilizers and liming. Technology not relevant More extensive studies of the Lamb‘s Succory Organisation little effort; instruction of community in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania employees required; clear marking of areas (Litterski et al. 2005) also show a preference designated for the measure necessary for soils with pH < 5 as well as potassium (K) deficiencies. Time required little

Duration long-term

Lamb’s succory M 13 M 13

Small-scale set-aside How to ensure the measure is successful Queen of Spain Whinchat Saltatoria Brown Hare “Short-term – Fritillary small-scale – Field features – Fallow land Field margins Wooded areas, successful” fallow land Many pioneer species Location Southerly exposed At least 100 m South-facing At least 500 m are very happy wind-sheltered from the forest field boundaries from roads on set-aside areas. field areas and slopes They benefit from a Soil quality Low to medium Low to medium Low to medium Low to medium high share of soil without vegetation. The Common Field Losses Grasshopper lays The yield losses on the area used its eggs in the sun- for the measure match the respec- warmed earth, wild What needs to be done?i tive gross margin loss of the culti- bees burrow in it. vated crop. Among butterflies,  One or two year set-aside of sub-areas the Queen of Spain at the edges of fields or within the field on Advantages Fritillary, which readily 0.05 – 0.1 ha – cost savings (working hours and lays its eggs on Field fuel consumption) Pansies on the stubble, no tilling and no soil management in the – very low land requirement benefits especially. autumn, no further cultivation until threshing – support of beneficial organisms The Brown Hare ben- in the following year and / or the year there by increasing biodiversity and the efits in winter from the after supply of flowers structures providing – time savings in cultivation, when cover, and the Whin- field edges that are difficult to chat has undisturbed Technology not relevant cultivate are selected (‘field nesting sites with straightening’) perches and good nest Organisation little effort; clear marking of areas cover in the spring. designated for the measure and instruction of Disadvantages employees necessary – the risk of weed infestation is high, therefore not to be used on Time required for a one-year implementation areas with problematic weeds little; the time requirement increases for two- – if used within the field: Results from the Nature year set-asides due to the difficulties arising from complications during cultivation Conservation Farm project omitting soil management For example, the Whinchat: It finds undisturbed breeding sites in the set-asides. Duration 1 to 2 years Who profits most? + + Queen of Spain Fritillary, Queen of Spain Whinchat Saltatoria Brown Hare Whinchat Fritillary + Saltatoria, Brown Hare, Butterflies M 14 M 14

Blossom strips How to ensure the measure is successful Farmland birds Red-backed Shrike Butterflies “Attractive for man and animals” Field features Fallow land, hedges Hedges, copses, field Field margins, margins, fallow land edges of woods Butterflies, bees and other insects find food Location At least 100 m At the edges of hedges South-facing field from the forest and coppices, boundaries and refuge areas in not along roads and slopes, hilltops blossom strips. Insect What needs to be done?i Soil quality Low to medium – Low to medium hunters such as the Red-backed Shrike  Establishment benefit from this. The Sowing of annual and perennial wild plant Losses and expenditure Disadvantages strips provide more and crop species* on at least 10 m wide The yield losses on the blossom – loss of production area attractive and safer strips in cereals or grain legumes strips match the respective gross – risk of weed infestation, therefore nesting sites for the margin loss of the cultivated crop. targeted field selection required Whinchat and the The strips remain until the autumn or until Seeds must be purchased. In addi- Yellow Wagtail in the the autumn of the following year (also in tion costs are incurred for mowing second year. They offer legume-grass leys) and are then mown or and harvesting when the measure overwintering areas for mulched is completed. 57 Share of territories many animals and not Important: Vegetation density up to max. Yellow which are maintained Wagtail until the end of the least: Blossom strips 70 % with several distinct plant layers Advantages breeding season are a real feast for the – enrichment of the countryside 36 eyes for those looking  There are two possible variants – low area requirement Whinchat 33 for recreation. 1. Subdivision of large arable fields with – support of beneficial organisms several strips spaced 100 m apart by increasing biodiversity and the 19.5 2. Strips at the edges of fields or in corners supply of flowers that are difficult to reach – time savings when field edges that are difficult to cultivate are * in the appendix: Sowing mixtures and sources of supply selected (‘field straightening’) – buffer effect (e.g. reduction of without with without with blossom strips blossom strips nutrient contamination of adjacent Who profits most? Technology adapt strip width to suit machine water bodies) Results from the Nature + + Whinchat*, Yellow Wagtail* working width; sowing with seedbed combina- – possible connectivity between Conservation Farm project + Corn Bunting*, Red-backed tion, drilling machine, fertilizer spreader or by biotopes For example, the Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat: Shrike, Butterflies hand; when drilling directly into standing crops More breeding pairs find suitable habitats until the end of the breeding season on fields with * two-year implemen- a weakening of the crop, for example through tation required scoring, is unavoidable blossom strips.

Time required low to medium depending upon the location of the strips Can be combined with M 1, 2 Later cut Organisation medium effort; instruction Farmland birds Red-backed Shrike Butterflies M 8 Drilling gaps of employees and marking of strips required M 9 Reduced sowing density Duration 1 to 2 years M 15 M 15

Field margins How to ensure the measure is successful on rich soils Butterflies / Saltatoria Red-backed Shrike Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale “Biodiversity Field features Edges of woods Hedges, copses on field edges” Location Southerly exposed field boundaries At the edges of hedges and coppices, Many species, includ- What needs to be done?i not along roads ing butterflies, saltato- Soil quality Medium – ria and also the Red-  Establishment backed Shrike find ideal Sowing of a grass and herb mixture* on a living conditions in field 3 to 10 m strip along the field margin; seed- Losses and expenditure Disadvantages margins rich in flow- ing in the spring or autumn into a fine crum- Due to the loss of production on the – loss of production area ers. They offer food, bled seedbed (SRI > 30) and rolling; mainte- field margins, medium gross margin – risk of weed infestation, therefore cover and refuge areas nance cut in the first year in order to repress losses are to be estimated depend- targeted area selection required from soil management spontaneously appearing competitive plants ing upon the crop rotation. Costs for and / or more frequent mowing and harvesting on the seeds purchase as well as for mow- or mulching adjacent fields all year  Use ing and harvesting are to be calcu- – outside of the legume-grass round, and form con- One or two cuts (‘linear meadow’); lated. phase, the area must be driven to necting paths between 1st cut in May to weaken the grasses, for separately in order to be used biotopes. Even with example during the 1st cut in legume-grass Application on the farm only a small area the leys; subsequent cut with the customary 3rd – 1st cut (before July) can be 30 landscape becomes cut or mowing / mulching in autumn applied without restrictions more attractive. Field – subsequent cut in August as litter Mean number of butterfly species margins on rich soils Existing field margins can be improved and costs saved or horse hay through slot-seeding. The meadow flowers should be able can be mown and used 14 as fodder. to disseminate abundantly every 2 to 3 years. Broad field Advantages 12 margins can be driven upon every so often, however may not be used as headland. – enrichment of the countryside – small area required * in the appendix: Sowing mixtures and sources of supply – support of beneficial organisms by Field Legume-grass Cereals increasing the supply of flowers margins Technology adapt margin width to suit machine and the biodiversity working width; sowing by machine or by hand – buffer effect (e.g. reduction of Results from the Nature nutrient contamination of adjacent Conservation Farm project Organisation medium effort; instruction of water bodies) For example, butterflies: On field margins with employees and marking of field margins required; – possible connectivity between rich soils, a much greater variety of butterfly Who profits location near the farm is favourable if separate biotopes species can be found than in legume-grass leys most? mowing is required; several field margins in a and cereal fields. + + Butterflies, Saltatoria “habitat network system” are easier to manage + Red-backed Shrike than scattered single field margins

Time required medium to high depending upon Butterflies Saltatoria Red-backed Shrike location and use Can be combined with M 3 High cut Duration long-term M 16 M 16

Field margins on dry poor soils How to ensure the measure is successful Butterflies / Saltatoria Red-backed Shrike “Very little effort for a lot of species” Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale For grasshoppers and Field features Edges of woods Hedges, copses many other insects Location South-facing , wind-sheltered At the edges of hedges and such as the Brown field boundaries and slopes coppices, not along roads Argus, field margins on Soil quality Low – dry poor soils provide a particularly suitable habitat, because a blos- Losses and expenditure som-rich vegetation Due to the loss of production on the Saltatoria larvae per m² soon establishes itself What needs to be done?i field margins, medium gross margin at these places with- losses are to be estimated depend- 23 out soil management,  Establishment ing upon the crop rotation. Costs for requiring only little Take a strip with a width of between 3 and mowing and harvesting are to be use and nevertheless 20 m at the edge of the field (SRI < 30) out calculated. remaining sparse and of arable use after the soil management or low. The Red-backed the legume-grass phase (without ploughing); Advantages Shrike finds a suitably no sowing required – low to very low land requirement abundant supply of – with adjacent legume-grass leys, insects as food there,  Maintenance small quantities can be added to and Woodlarks or Tree According to growth, mow or mulch once the forage Pipits are glad to use per year or every few years in the autumn, – enrichment of the countryside 6 margins such as these for example with the last legume-grass cut – support of beneficial organisms by as protected nesting increasing the supply of flowers habitats. Broad field margins can be driven upon every so often, and the biodiversity 1 however should not be used as headland. – connectivity between biotopes Edge Edge of legume- Field possible of field grass leys margins Technology adapt field margin width to suit mowing machinery Disadvantages Results from the Nature – growth is generally not usable Conservation Farm project Organisation little effort; instruction of – expansion of undesirable plant For example, saltatoria: The mostly sparse and employees and marking of field margins required; species and / or wooded areas pos- low vegetation in field margins on poor soils location near the farm is favourable if separate sible provides saltatoria with excellent reproductive mowing is required; several field margins in a conditions as the ground is easily warmed. “habitat network system” are easier to maintain than scattered single field margins

Time required low to medium depending upon Who profits the location of the strips and the maintenance Butterflies Saltatoria Red-backed Shrike most? requirements + + Butterflies, Saltatoria + Red-backed Shrike Duration long-term M 17 M 17

Wood How to ensure the measure is successful maintenance Amphibians Hedgerow birds and Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale management Field features Water bodies, wet-spots Hedges, copses, field margins, fallow land Location Not along roads Not along roads “Benefits from cutting What needs to be done?i Soil quality – – back” Hedges and copses  Cutting back fulfil important func- along lakes and kettle holes, especially Expenditure Advantages tions as a habitat for at the southern sides Costs for semi-automated proce- Cutting back many animals and along hedges: cutting back 50 to 100 m dures (“small private forest”). – can be carried out in winter for the reduction of sections of the woody structures to a height 16.00 EUR / stère at 10 cm DBH to at times when workload is light erosion. In the past, of approx. 70 cm above the ground (every 14.50 EUR / stère at 15 cm DBH – firewood can additionally be sold cutting back was tradi- 15 to 20 years) (wider ranges are not covered in this or given to farm workers tionally integrated into predominantly manual procedure). Composting land management (for  Processing and use of habitat care For fully-automated procedures – good for the humus balance example, as firewood, residues (“harvester”) : reduced costs in the long-term animal food). Trees and gathering of wood chippings (size 40 to 60 mm) for diameters of 15 cm DBH to bushes require cut- composting shredded material with farmyard 13.80 EUR / stère or 9.80 EUR / stère ting back at the edges manure (max. 15 vol. % share of the farmyard for 20 cm DBH. of fields so as not to manure) or use as litter or source of energy impede cultivation. A Application on the farm dense wooded belt – as firewood (diameter class 1 up European 100 Number of young Tree Frog animals at a around water bodies Technology when adding shredded material to to 3.2, source: www.wald-online- small water body decreases the qual- farmyard manure composting, a compost turner is bw.de; standard lengths for wood ity of the habitat for required for a good mix (= multiple turning of the fires: 25, 30, 50 cm) amphibians as there manure heap) – in livestock farms: where there Fire-bellied Toad is too much shadow. is a lack of straw, as litter or as a 50 Older hedges tend to Organisation medium to high effort; instruction structural support for composting thin out inside and are of employees required (admixture of max. 15 % wood then unsuitable as a chippings in order to avoid 10 10 breeding habitat for the Time required medium to high for cutting back a nitrogen barrier) and use

Red-backed Shrike and according to degree of mechanization; medium in vegetables or maize before after before after Barred Warbler. for composting clearing wooded areas clearing wooded areas

Duration once every 15 to 20 years depending Results from the Nature on type of woody structure and maintenance goal Conservation Farm project For example, the European Tree Frog and Fire-bellied Toad: After clearing woody structures Who profits most? Amphibians Hedgerow birds from the banks of water bodies, the reproduction Cutting back Amphibians Hedgerow birds rates increase significantly. Around water bodies + + Along hedges + + M 18 M 18

Buffer strips How to ensure the measure is successful around Amphibians Butterflies / Saltatoría water bodies Type of measure Small-scale Small-scale Field features Water bodies, wet-spots Field margins, edges of woods “Evergreen banks” Location Not along roads South-facing field boundaries and slopes Amphibians benefit What needs to be done?i Soil quality – Low to medium from permanent, grassland-like buffer strips  Sowing of a 20 m wide strip around kettle holes of grassland and subsequent Forage yield and quality and other small water management as a buffer strip* Through the higher 1st and 2nd cuts as well as by forgoing the 3rd cut, bodies. They provide a loss of approx. 20 GJ NEL ha –1 is incurred on the buffer strips. The fodder 1 to 2 cuts before July, cutting height at a considerable expan- quality is somewhat better with the higher cut. least 10 cm, no 3rd cut, maintenance cut sion and improvement from October; removal of plant biomass to of the habitat for the give the amphibians sufficient opportunities Application on the farm Fire-bellied Toad and to move about – no restrictions on the 1st and 2nd cut before the end of June European Tree Frog in – maintenance cut in October as litter or horse hay summer and winter, or particularly if manage- grazing (e.g. sheep, goats) at any time Advantages ment is ideally adapted – lower contamination when harvesting fodder from a high cut to the needs of the * Sporadic inundation areas (“wet-spots”) develop in the – due to the small proportion of land used, losses are localised animals. Saltatoria and spring near some of the kettle holes. When these dry out – reduction of the nutrient contamination of the water bodies butterflies also benefit in the summer, the soil without vegetation provides an – possible connectivity between biotopes ideal habitat for some rare plant specialists. These areas from this. The con- should therefore not be transformed into permanent tamination of the water grassland. Disadvantages body with soil and – additional investment may be required to modify the cutting height nutrients from the field – if the 2nd cut can no longer be carried out in June because of the weather, is reduced and thereby the loss for livestock farms is considerably greater an effective contribu- Technology mowers with adjustable cutting Location of young amphibians tion made to the pro- heights required At water bodies without buffer strips Migration across the field tection of biotopes. Organisation medium effort; marking of the buffer strips and instruction of employees at each At water bodies with buffer strips Migration across the field Who profits most? cutting date Fire-bellied Toad, + + 1st July 11th July 20th August 30th August Butterflies, Saltatoria Time required medium to high due to equipment + European Tree Frog, conversion (high cut) as well as maintenance cut Results from the Nature Conservation Farm project For example, the Fire-bellied Common Spadefoot Toad in the autumn and removal of plant biomass Toad: If there are buffer strips available around a water body, the toadlets remain longer at the water body. The danger arising from agricultural cultivation on the field is therefore strongly reduced. Duration long-term Can be combined with Amphibians Butterflies Saltatoria M 3 High cut M 15 Field margins – rich soils M 14 Blossom strips M 19 M 19

More spring crops

“Keeping an eye on Losses the crop rotation” The yield risk for spring cereals Average number Farmland birds and is higher than for winter cereals. of breeding farm- Brown Hare avoid high A 20 % lower yield can be expected. land bird species and dense crops as are often found early Advantages 4 in the year in winter – no change in production methods cereals. Spring cereals for individual crop species 3 and grain legumes on – some spring wheat species the other hand, which achieve higher quality levels than 2 are not sown until the winter wheat spring, are still rela- – good opportunity to increase crop tively low and sparse What needs to be done?i diversity in May; the animals can therefore use  Increase the share of spring cereals Disadvantages these stands for a and grain legumes in the crop rotation – uncertainty in the establishment Winter Spring Grain longer period of time favourable: 10 to 30 % of crops due to a dry spring or cereals cereals legumes to raise their young. overly damp conditions while Every increase in the sowing share of spring cereals Technology not relevant – observe weed infestation prob- Results from the Nature and grain legumes in lems with summer annual arable Conservation Farm project the crop rotation im- Organisation medium effort due to changes in flora – risk of nutrient leaching For example, farmland birds: More species proves the living and the crop rotation planning and structuring (can be reduced by cultivating breed in spring cereals and grain legumes reproductive conditions catch-crops) than in winter cereals. for the Skylark & Co. Time required low to medium depending upon the necessity of the changes to the crop rotation

Duration long-term

Who profits Farmland birds Brown Hare most? + + Farmland birds, Brown Hare M 20 M 20

Better distribution of crop species on smaller fields “Variety is good” Expenditure Demands made on Hardly any negative economic effects their habitat by farm- result from the desired maximum field land birds, Brown Hare size of 30 ha. and amphibians could be better fulfilled, if Advantage crop species with dif- – no change to production methods ferent growth patterns for the individual crop species were cultivated next to each other. The Disadvantage animals would then – there is a higher logistical expense always be able to find What needs to be done?i on fields that are a long distance from suitable locations (for the farm example, low vegeta-  Cultivation of adjacent fields with crops tion) within easy reach. that have different vegetation patterns As agricultural cultiva- and cultivation times tion takes place at dif- – winter cereals / spring crops ferent times depending – winter cereals / legume-grass Part of a farm area with an optimised on the crop, alternative – spring crops / legume-grass crop species arrangement sites are additionally available during soil  Division of fields larger than 30 ha Winter cereals management or har- cultivation of two crop species Legume-grass leys vesting. Fields with a maximum size of Spring cereals 20 to 30 ha are advan- Technology not relevant Grain legumes / silage maize tageous, so that the distances between Organisation medium effort, especially in crop the crop species can rotation planning be overcome. Results from the Nature Conservation Farm project Time required low to medium depending upon Adjacent fields with different crop species offer farmland birds and hares good the layout of the fields and their distance from opportunities for evasion and protection. the farm; if, for example, the next field but one in contiguous farms is cultivated with the same crop species, the additional time required is slight

Duration long-term Who profits most? + + Farmland birds, Farmland birds Brown Hare Hedgerow birds Amphibians Brown Hare + Hedgerow birds, amphibians Other relevant measures filling must be forgone in order to preserve them. At the same time several species require appropriate arable use (for example delayed stubble break- Overwinter stubble Overwinter stubble fields offer cover and food to ing, reduced use of fertilizers). almost all of the animals presented in the species profiles in the late summer and autumn and to the overwintering species during the winter months. Small, unused areas beside fields and along paths Narrow field margins Non-competitive and late-flowering segetal flora or wooded areas appear to be neglected. Yet that species also benefit. This measure can be advanta- is precisely what hedgerow birds such as the Red- geous in terms of labour costs. However yield loss- backed Shrike and the Barred Warbler (A 4) prefer, es of 10 to 20 % may be expected in the following because they find a lot of food or build their nests year. Negative effects such as problematic weeds in these herb borders. The Upland Field Grasshop- Stubble field in subsequent years as well as phytosanitary as- per (A 11) also loves field margins like this. At the in the autumn pects are to be taken into consideration. The meas- edge of the field, a strip of 0.3 to 1 m is left out of ure can be carried out on a large or small-scale, for the soil cultivation and not sown. In the periphery example, on 3 m wide strips at the edges of fields, of wooded areas, particularly near blackthorn hedg- around water bodies or at wet-spots in fields. es, these field margins must be ploughed or mown every 3 to 5 years (e.g. with the last legume-grass cut) so that the wooded areas do not spread out Leaving cereals to Cereals left unharvested on small sub-areas of a into the field margins. The non-cultivation of ‘un- stand over the winter field provide overwintering seed-eating birds as productive’ sites saves working time. The measure on a small area well as Brown Hares and European Hamsters with should be carried out at least biennially or perma- Narrow field margins food in the cold season. Insects and late-flowering nently. beside a field and path segetal flora species also benefit. Narrow strips along the field margins (1 to 3 m) or at places that are difficult to harvest are not threshed and are The planting of new hedges and woody structures Planting hedges reintegrated into cultivation the following spring. is frequently carried out to divide large fields and Even small cereal areas like this are valuable while to reduce wind erosion. At the same time it is also at the same time requiring little effort on the part connected with an improvement of the structural of the farm. diversity of the arable land and the quality of the habitat for many wild animals (for example Brown Hare, Partridge, hedgerow birds and insects). Wet-spots in fields Small-scale wet-spots, for example in hollows on These in turn make valuable contributions to bio- waterlogged soils or in the inundation areas of ket- logical control. Hedges can also serve economic tle holes present a problem for cultivation. Arable purposes if fruit trees with fruit for sale are inte- cultivation is at the same time however, the prereq- grated into the hedges. Due to the multitude of uisite for typical animal and plant communities to available instructions on the planting of hedges, we develop. Some of these species are highly endan- would like in particular to refer here to the leaflet gered and dependent upon open, sparsely vegetat- ‘Hecken – planen, pflanzen, pflegen’ published by ed pioneer sites. These areas offer opportunities the Nature Conservation Advisory Service of Lower for survival, in particular for the very rare segetal Saxony et al. (www.oeko-komp.de). flora of the “dwarf plant communities”. Amphib- Temporary wet-spot ians and the Lapwing also use wet-spots such as in a field these as a food and breeding habitat. Drainage or 81 Profiles of the species Complete listing

The profiles of the species provide information on Profiles of the species habitat requirements, biology and threats, whereby both the advantages and potential conflicts of Birds A1 Skylark organic agriculture are explained. From this a list A2 Corn Bunting (Yellow Wagtail) Do you have special of measures suitable for each species can be de- A3 Whinchat interests or farm veloped along with their main effects. Information A4 Red-backed Shrike (Barred Warbler) characteristics? is additionally provided on the relevant crops, time Mammals A5 Brown Hare On the basis of periods and advantageous field and site conditions, specific research because the measure is most successful at par- Amphibians A6 Fire-bellied Toad (European Tree Frog) criteria you can allow ticularly suitable locations. A7 Common Spadefoot Toad yourself to be guided Butterflies A8 Queen of Spain Fritillary directly to the profiles Following on from the profiles of the species are A9 Common Blue which are of interest short descriptions of other typical and in part very to you. rare animals and plants of the agricultural landscape. Saltatoria A10 Grasshoppers page 7 Profiles were not prepared for these species. They A11 Upland Field Grasshopper are predominantly species, which are only rarely A12 Roesel’s Bush-Cricket found in north-east Germany, or for which more far- Segetal flora A13 Forking Larkspur reaching measures are required than those which (Night-Flowering Catchfly, Dwarf Spurge) are described in this manual. A14 Field Madder (Corn Buttercup, Dark Speedwell) A15 Field Nigella (Dwarf Spurge, Annual Woundwort) A16 Prickly Poppy – communities (Fingered Speedwell, Strict Forget-Me-Not) A17 Lamb’s Succory (Slender Parsley Piert, Downy Hempnettle)

Other relevant species

Birds Partridge Lapwing Quail Montagu’s Harrier Mammals European Hamster Butterflies Brown Argus Segetal Flora Field Gagea and Meadow Gagea Marsh and aquatic plants on fields 82 83 Explanation of the profile of a species

A 7 A 7

Common The Common Spadefoot Toad is difficult to observe: Population trend Spadefoot It is exclusively nocturnal for the greater part of the Toad year, and spends the day buried in the ground. Threat It takes its name (German name: Garlic Toad) from The figures relate to the secretion it exudes in stress situations which Germany 2 smells like garlic. Brandenburg * the first mentioned Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 species. Where is special In areas with many kettle holes and other small Saxony-Anhalt * protection water bodies, especially on fields with sandy loamy worthwhile? soils. Habitats Directive Annex IV Preservation of the The basic prerequisite for the long-term survival of “Population trend“ spawning areas the Common Spadefoot Toad is the preservation Common Spadefoot Toads can be easily distinguished constant of small water bodies in the agricultural landscape. from other species by their vertical pupils. decreasing Which measures Small-scale implementation in the surroundings of are suitable? spawning areas usually suffices. High cut (M 3) and Spawning areas and habitat increasing the measures listed in grain crops can also be use- The Common Spadefoot Toad prefers nutrient-rich and deeper, clear water ful on a large-scale. bodies with larger open water areas that are sunny and have luxurious marsh and aquatic plant vegetation. It spends the day ‘below ground’ choosing arable fields with sandy loamy soils that are suitable for burrowing and store suffi- “Threat Measure cient moisture. in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority 1 = critically M 3 High cut Fewer losses during mowing • • Way of life and reproduction M 6 Amphibian strips* Summer habitat and refuge area; • The Common Spadefoot Toad migrates to its spawning areas on rainy nights endangered overwintering habitat for toadlets from the middle of March. The toads only remain for mating and spawning, in grain crops thus only for about 2 to 4 weeks, in the water. They spend the remainder of 2 = endangered M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing Reduction of the losses by up to 100 % • • the year on the land. M 9 Reduced sowing density More segetal flora near the ground, thereby better • The ‘giant tadpoles’ of the Common Spadefoot grow to an impressive 8 to 3 = vulnerable cover and a damper microclimate 10 cm in length. Their development is complete by July and they leave the Landscape elements water bodies as toadlets. Both the young and the adult toads spend the sum- NT = near threatened M 17 Wood maintenance Preservation / restoration of sunny, more open small • • mer on the arable fields, hunting for beetles at night, buried up to 20 cm deep and management water bodies for reproduction in the ground during the day. * = least concern M 18 Buffer strips around Summer habitat and refuge area; • The Common Spadefoot Toads become dormant in September, buried 50 to water bodies* overwintering habitat for toadlets 60 cm deep in the soil, and remain there until the following March. n. s. = not specified

* Common Spadefoot Toads prefer Food Information from the mown to grazed buffer strips. The principal food of the Common Spadefoot Toad is ground beetles, which it “Relevant times” can catch most easily in low, sparse vegetation. Red Lists of Ger- Indicates in which many and the states Adult Toads Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec of Brandenburg, months the species Tadpoles Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec is on the farm, and Toadlets Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mecklenburg-Western Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops Landscape in which months elements Pomerania and Saxo- reproduction takes ny-Anhalt (if same level place, and therefore of threat in the three increased sensitiv- states: North-east ity is required during Germany). farming operations. “Priority (from a nature “Habitat types” preservation viewpoint)” – Legume-grass “Habitats Directive/ • high – Winter cereals Birds Directive” • • very high – Spring crops Species which are All of the measures listed have proven effec- – Landscape elements listed in one of the tive for the species. The priority additionally The habitat types in which the animal or annexes of the EU indicates which of the measures has the com- plant species prefers to live and / or which Habitats Directive and / paratively greatest nature conservation effect it requires as a partial habitat are indicated. or the Birds Directive and should therefore be given priority concern- Priority should be given to implementing enjoy particularly ing implementation. 84 the measures in these habitats. rigorous protection.85 A 1 A 1

Skylark If habitat, food supply and weather are right and Population trend moreover predators are not prevalent, Skylarks will West Germany rear several new generations from the spring to since the 1960s the summer. In this way they are in a position to make up for ‘bad years’ and to keep their popula- East Germany tion stable in the long-term. You as a farmer can since the mid-1990s systematically improve the quality of the field as a habitat – and thereby assist the Skylark’s survival Threat strategy. Germany 3 Brandenburg V Where is special In all crops. Skylarks prefer low-yield soils and open Mecklenburg-W.P. * protection areas that are at least 100 m from the forest. Small Saxony-Anhalt NT worthwhile? fallow areas alongside or in the fields are favourable. Male and female Skylarks are hard to tell apart.

Which measures The following measures must be taken across the are suitable? entire field, yet on a minimum of 10 ha. Breeding Breeding begins in April in legume-grass and in winter cereals; not until May Measure in spring crops, in June in maize. in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority It takes 38 days from nest-building until the first fledglings appear. Up to 3 M 2 No 2nd cut More than twice as many young birds fledge • • successive broods are possible each with a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. Often only M 2 Later 2nd cut 30 to 60 % more young birds fledge • • one to at most two broods are successful in cereals and maize. M 1 Later 1st cut 40 to 90 % more young birds fledge • • M 3 High cut Fewer nests destroyed; suitable conditions • Nest and nesting site

for nest-building one week after a cut In the interior of the field in self-dug hollows in the ground, the edge of the nest

in grain crops level with the surface. Favourable sites display vegetation heights of between M 8 Drilling gaps  More segetal flora; less dense crop stands, • • 20 and 60 cm and a coverage ratio of 30 to 70 %. Dicotyledonous plants such M 9 Reduced sowing density therefore longer breeding time • as Creeping Thistle or Mugwort are preferred nest cover. M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing and greater breeding success • M 7 No harrowing* No nest losses due to harrowing; • Food more food and segetal flora as nest cover The nestlings are fed with insects and spiders. The adult birds eat a lot of plant- M 10 Delayed stubble breaking More seeds as food in summer and autumn • based food especially in the winter and spring. The Skylarks find their food on the ground, preferably at places with sparse crop cover and a lot of segetal * in winter wheat and in spring crops flora, but also in low or mown vegetation.

Adult birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Eggs / young birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops A 2 A 2

Corn Bunting The populations of Corn Buntings in East Germany Population trend Yellow Wagtail increased considerably after 1990 – thanks to many Since the 1960s set-aside fields. Now that the set-aside has been lifted, populations are stagnating in many places. East Germany There are still increases in areas where there is or- since the 1990s ganic or extensive land use. In the western federal since the mid-1990s states, the species has however continued to steadily disappear from the landscape until today. Threat The more widespread Yellow Wagtail also profits The Yellow Wagtail often Germany 3 from the measures for the benefit of the Corn settles in the same habitat Brandenburg 2 Bunting. as the Corn Bunting. Mecklenburg-W.P. * Where is special In legume-grass, spring crops and short-stemmed Saxony-Anhalt 3 protection cereal varieties. The Corn Bunting and Yellow Wag- Male Corn Buntings worthwhile? tail prefer open and semi-open fields, which are at like to sing from high places. least 100 m from the forest, and medium to good soils. Fallow land and low wooded areas beside or in the fields are convenient. Breeding Corn Buntings like to breed in groups. The male birds mate with two females Which measures The following measures must be taken across the if conditions are good, which then often breed close to one another. Breeding are suitable? entire field, yet on a minimum of10 ha. What is begins in legume-grass leys, winter wheat and in fallow land from mid-May, especially effective is the combination of bird or not until June in spring crops and most winter cereals. It takes 36 days from blossom strips (M 4, M 14) with a late or high cut in nest-building until the first fledglings appear. Usually only one, rarely also legume-grass (M 2, M 3). 2 broods with clutches of 4 to 6 eggs apiece are possible. Breeding success is very high in spring crops. Measure in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority Nest and nesting site M 2 No 2nd cut Two-thirds fewer broods caught up in the mowing • • The Yellow Wagtail, which has similar habitat requirements, is regularly also M 2 Later 2nd cut One-third fewer broods caught up in the mowing • found where the Corn Bunting settles. Both species find their ideal nesting M 3 High cut Fewer nests destroyed; suitable conditions • sites in the middle of the field, far away from the wooded areas, beneath tall- for nest-building one week after a cut growing plants providing good cover such as Mugwort or Thistle. The Corn M 4 Bird strips Nest cover; perches; fewer nests destroyed; • Bunting locates its nest on the ground, the sides of the nests reaching a height seeds as food in the winter of about 8 cm. Yellow Wagtails on the other hand use existing hollows in the ground for their nests or make them themselves.

in grain crops M 8 Drilling gaps  Food More dicotyledonous nesting plants and perches •• M 9 Reduced sowing density • (Large) insects and spiders for the nestlings, otherwise seeds from cereals M 10 Delayed stubble breaking More seeds as food in summer and autumn • and grasses. M 14 Blossom strips Nest cover; perches; seeds as food in the winter •

Adult birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Eggs / young birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Spring crops A 3 A 3

Whinchat It is true that the Whinchat is considered a charac- Population trend ter species of extensively used meadows and pas- Since the 1960s tures. In the meantime an important part of the populations in north-east Germany also breed in East Germany agricultural areas where there is little grassland. since the 1990s The East German federal states, and among them Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-An- Threat halt in particular, currently have the greatest breed- Germany 3 ing density of the species in Germany. Special at- tention is therefore also deserved there for the Brandenburg 3 protection of this graceful bird. Mecklenburg-W.P. * Saxony-Anhalt 3 Where is special Above all in legume-grass leys. At the same time The male Whinchat (left) displays its orange to reddish-brown protection Whinchats prefer open fields without a bordering throat and breast colouring while the females’ colours are less worthwhile? forest and poor to medium soils. Fallow land and rich in contrast. ditches rich in vegetation alongside or in the fields are convenient. They are also settled regardless of the neighbouring crop species. Way of life and breeding Several couples often establish themselves close together at favourable sites. Conservation Outside of legume-grass leys, Whinchats settle al- Suitable perches are absolutely essential, for example high shrubs, paddock of fallow and most exclusively in small fallow patches, wet-spots fences or small bushes. The Whinchat returns to the breeding area in April, waste land and ruderal areas in the arable land. The preserva- breeding begins in the middle of May. From nest-building until the first fledg- tion of such cultivation-free sites, at which the bird lings appear takes 43 days. A clutch of 5 to 7 eggs is typical, subsequent can breed regularly and without being disturbed, is clutches are rare. The families fly around together for a few more weeks after an important prerequisite for its long-term survival. the young birds are fledged. The autumn migration to the African savannahs begins at the end of July and draws to a close in October. Measure in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority Nesting sites M 4 Bird strips* Fewer territories given up following the 1st mowing; • • The Whinchat finds its ideal nesting site in the field beneath dicotyledonous refuge area, nest cover and perches; plants offering good cover, as well as in the dense felt of old grass. The nest fewer nests destroyed is established where possible as a semi-hollow in the ground to provide the M 3 High cut Fewer nests destroyed; suitable conditions • best protection for the shiny blue-green eggs. The top edge of the nest is usu- for nest-building after a cut one week earlier ally level with the ground surface.

in grain crops Food M 13 Small-scale set-aside  Creation of undisturbed nesting sites • • Large insects and spiders, in the autumn also berries. M 14 Blossom strips* with perches and good nest cover • •

* especially effective in combination with a late cut in legume-grass (M 2)

Adult birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Eggs / young birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Spring crops Landscape elements A 4 A 4

Red-backed As the Red-backed Shrike readily resides in thorn Population trend Shrike bushes and moreover is accustomed to occasionally spear its prey on thorns, it is also referred to in Threat Barred Warbler Germany in the vernacular as “thorn turner” or Germany * “thorn hacker”. The rarer Barred Warbler settles exclusively in close proximity to the Red-backed Brandenburg * Shrike. Therefore measures to protect the Red- Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 backed Shrike also aid the population of the Barred Saxony-Anhalt * Warbler. Birds Directive Where is special On fields with hedges and other woody structures Male Red-backed Shrikes The Barred Warbler almost Annex 1 protection in which the Red-backed Shrike (and Barred War- are unmistakable due to always settles in close worthwhile? bler) breed. Woody structures along heavily trav- their black “bandit’s mask”. proximity to the Red-backed elled paths or roads are not suitable. Shrike.

Which measures Basically the Red-backed Shrike benefits from all are suitable? agricultural measures in grain crops which promote Way of life, nesting sites and breeding a wealth of insects and the accessibility of food. The Red-backed Shrike prefers low bushy hedges and briars with widths of 7 meters and more for nest building. It does not settle in hedges of trees and forest-like groves. The Barred Warbler additionally requires single outstanding Measure structures above the shrubs from the tip of which it likes to launch into its in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority song flights. Both species lay their nests within the woody structure, often M 4 Bird strips Establishment of food habitats rich in insects • close together. Breeding begins towards the end of May. A clutch of 5 eggs is typical, most of the young birds fledge in June and July. While the Barred

in grain crops Warbler also seeks food in the breeding woods, the Red-backed Shrike hunts M 13 Small-scale set-aside  its prey exclusively in the surrounding open country. Establishment of food habitats rich in insects • M 14 Blossom strips • Food

Landscape elements In the past it was thought that the Red-backed Shrike had to consume nine M 17 Wood maintenance birds a day, otherwise it would die [hence it’s German name: the Nine-Killer].

and management Long-term preservation of the nesting sites • • In actual fact, it feeds mainly on large insects, but also hornets and occasion- M 15 Field margins on rich soils  • ally small vertebrates (mainly mice). M 16 Field margins on dry poor soils • Establishment of food habitats rich in insects

M 18 Buffer strips around water bodies •

Adult birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Eggs / young birds Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops Landscape elements A 5 A 5

Brown Hare The Brown Hare finds the living conditions -on or Population trend ganic farms good if there are enough protective Since the 1960s bushes, forests or fallow land nearby. Legume- grass is among the Brown Hare’s preferred arable East Germany crops. Suitable measures help it to raise sufficient since the mid-1990s leverets there very effectively. Loosely standing cereals, interspersed with segetal flora, provide Threat the hare with sufficient high-quality food and free- Germany 3 dom of movement. Brandenburg 2 Where is special In all crops, but most of all in legume-grass leys Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 protection and in mixtures. The fields should be at least 500 m Saxony-Anhalt 2 worthwhile? from well-travelled roads. Fields with extensive Brown Hares are more active in the daytime landscape elements such as copses or forest are during the reproductive season in the spring. particularly favourable. Way of life Which measures The following measures must be taken across the Brown Hares are predominantly nocturnal, not territorial and fundamentally are suitable? entire field, yet on a minimum of 10 ha. Basically loners, whereby the individuals know each other well and live alongside one the Brown Hare benefits from all agricultural meas- another as a loose group. Their home ranges over the whole year can com- ures implemented in grain crops which add to the prise an area of between 50 and 70 hectares. Brown Hares usually spend the diversity of the plants and the freedom of move- day resting in a shallow hollow which they dig themselves. In the spring and ment at ground level. summer this is usually on the field, in the autumn and winter, especially when the snow is high and there is a sharp east wind, also in the forest, reeds etc. Measure in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority Reproduction M 2 No 2nd cut Undisturbed rearing of leverets in the most • • The female hares prefer fields with good vegetation cover as a birthplace for important reproduction period their young. Forests and groves are also selected in early spring. The repro- M 2 Later 2nd cut Fewer losses of leverets during the most • • duction period is from February to October. Up to 4 successive litters are pos- important reproduction period sible with 2 to 6 leverets per litter. The leverets with the best chances of sur- M 3 High cut Fewer losses of leverets during mowing • vival are born in the months of May, June and July. During their first 4 weeks,

the leverets remain motionless when in danger. The young hares are suckled

in grain crops during this time. They are fully grown after 8 months. M 8 Drilling gaps*  Diverse range of food • • and covering vegetation Food M 9 Reduced sowing density* Good freedom of movement in the crops • • The Brown Hare has a low protein diet. They eat many different crops and wild M 7 No harrowing Undisturbed rearing of leverets until the harvest • plants; wild herbs make up approximately half of their food intake. The suck- M 10 Delayed stubble breaking Fewer losses of leverets after harvesting; • ling does’ milk quality depends strongly on the availability of plants with high preservation of food supply and cover fat content. * especially effective in combination with delayed stubble breaking (M 10)

Adult hares Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Leverets Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops A 6 A 6

Fire-bellied The Fire-bellied Toad is one of the most vulnerable Population trend Toad amphibian species in Germany. It often shares its spawning areas with the European Tree Frog which Threat European Tree Frog is also at risk. Toad watersites are generally distin- Germany 1 guished however by a wide variety of amphibians. This is one reason why conservation measures for North-east Germany 2 the Fire-bellied Toad also benefit many other species, in particular also the European Tree Frog. Habitats Directive Male Fire-bellied Toads defend European Tree Frogs Annex II, IV Where is special pro- In areas with a large number of kettle holes. 1 to 2 m² stretches of water. are excellent climbers tection worthwhile? thanks to the suckers on their toes. Preservation of the The basic prerequisite for the long-term survival of spawning areas the Fire-bellied Toad is the preservation of kettle holes and wet-spots in fields. Toad watersites The Fire-bellied Toad’s typical spawning areas are sunny, shallow water bodies Which measures Small-scale implementation in the area surrounding with abundant underwater vegetation in the open landscape. Such water bod- are suitable? toad watersites usually suffices. High cut (M 3) and ies warm up quickly, and drying up occasionally in summer keeps down the the measures listed in grain crops can also be useful population of fish and other tadpole hunters in subsequent years. on a large-scale. Way of life and reproduction Measure The Fire-bellied Toads migrate, mainly at night, to their spawning areas from in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority the middle of April. While doing so they use traditional migration corridors, M 3 High cut Fewer losses during mowing • • regardless of the cultivated crops in that area. From spawning to the develop- M 6 Amphibian strips* More reproduction; summer and overwintering • • ment of toadlets takes up to 12 weeks. The toadlets are diurnal and disperse habitat; refuge area undirected from the spawning area from the end of June. For their summer stay on the land, Fire-bellied Toads often choose to stay in in grain crops the immediate environment of the water body. They prefer open vegetation M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing Reduction of the losses by up to 100 % • • and meadow structures, preferably with burrows or stones providing shadow. M 9 Reduced sowing density More vegetation near the ground, thereby better • European Tree Frogs on the other hand spend the summer mainly on woody cover and a damper microclimate structures, with a predeliction for hedges and young trees. M 10 Delayed stubble breaking Undisturbed migration to the winter quarters • In September and October winter quarters are sought, which can be up to 1km away. Landscape elements M 17 Wood maintenance More sunlight penetration, resulting in accelerated • • Food and management development of tadpoles and a higher survival rate Diptera and their aquatic larvae as well as beetles, spiders and other inverte- M 18 Buffer strips around More reproduction; summer and overwintering • • brates. water bodies* habitat; refuge area * Fire-bellied Toads prefer grazed to mown buffer strips.

Adult toads Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Spawn / Tadpoles Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Toadlets Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops Landscape elements A 7 A 7

Which measures Small-scale implementation in the surroundings of are suitable? spawning areas usually suffices. High cut (M 3) and Spawning areas and habitat the measures listed in grain crops can also be use- The Common Spadefoot Toad prefers nutrient-rich and deeper, clear water ful on a large-scale. bodies with larger open water areas that are sunny and have luxurious marsh and aquatic plant vegetation. It spends the day ‘below ground’ choosing arable fields with sandy loamy soils that are suitable for burrowing and store suffi- Measure cient moisture. in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority M 3 High cut Fewer losses during mowing • • Way of life and reproduction M 6 Amphibian strips* Summer habitat and refuge area; • The Common Spadefoot Toad migrates to its spawning areas on rainy nights overwintering habitat for toadlets from the middle of March. The toads only remain for mating and spawning, in grain crops thus only for about 2 to 4 weeks, in the water. They spend the remainder of M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing Reduction of the losses by up to 100 % • • the year on the land. M 9 Reduced sowing density More segetal flora near the ground, thereby better • The ‘giant tadpoles’ of the Common Spadefoot grow to an impressive 8 to cover and a damper microclimate 10 cm in length. Their development is complete by July and they leave the Landscape elements water bodies as toadlets. Both the young and the adult toads spend the sum- M 17 Wood maintenance Preservation / restoration of sunny, more open small • • mer on the arable fields, hunting for beetles at night, buried up to 20 cm deep and management water bodies for reproduction in the ground during the day. M 18 Buffer strips around Summer habitat and refuge area; • The Common Spadefoot Toads become dormant in September, buried 50 to water bodies* overwintering habitat for toadlets 60 cm deep in the soil, and remain there until the following March.

* Common Spadefoot Toads prefer Food mown to grazed buffer strips. The principal food of the Common Spadefoot Toad is ground beetles, which it can catch most easily in low, sparse vegetation.

Adult Toads Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tadpoles Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Toadlets Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops Landscape elements A 8 A 8

Queen of Spain Fritillary Population trend

The Queen of Spain Fritillary was originally at home Threat in barren steppes and is typical of the open arable Germany * landscape in Central Europe. It is an excellent flyer and also undertakes long migrations. When search- North-east Germany * ing for nectar-rich blossoms it can be found every- where, but for reproducing it is found exclusively on sparsely grown areas with open patches. There it lays its eggs on or in the vicinity of Violets, the The Queen of Spain Fritillary can be recognized future food plants of its caterpillars. Stubble fields by the large silver spots on the underside of its wings. or young fallow land with large numbers of Field Pansies are an ideal habitat for the Queen of Spain Fritillary. The field margins in organic agriculture Behaviour and flower visits also provide good reproduction conditions. The Queen of Spain Fritillary likes to bask on sun-warmed The “bottleneck” for the population is probably the earth free of vegetation, for example on country lanes. survival of the overwintering caterpillars on the Red clover and lucerne are very popular nectar plants in ground. Conservation measures should therefore legume-grass leys; on cereals and stubble fields, the but- also take the wintertime into consideration. terflies suck on Camomile and Field Pansies for example. In field margins, grassland and dry grassland, the blos- Where is special In all crops. In the search for nectar, all blossom- soms of many more plant species are visited such as the protection rich habitats are important, thus legume-grass leys, Dwarf Everlast, Oregano or Centaurea species. worthwhile? field margins, fallow land, grassland and also stubble fields. As a reproduction habitat, stubble fields, Reproduction recent set-asides, field margins and sparse low- The butterfly lays its eggs on arable fields on or in the vi- vegetated areas in legume-grass leys serve best. cinity of Field Pansies, and where available, also on the Wild Pansy. It lays on both adult violets and young cotyle- dons. On poorer soils, the Field Pansy also grows in leg- Measure ume-grass leys (in the sowing and the 1st production in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority year) so that the Queen of Spain Fritillary can also repro- M 5 Butterfly strips Preservation of nectar sources after mowing • • duce here. The species usually overwinters as a caterpillar in the litter in grain crops layer on the ground. The butterflies then hatch in north- M 13 Small-scale set-aside Undisturbed reproduction and overwintering • • east Germany from the end of April and fly in several generations until the autumn. The butterfly’s abundance The upper sides of the reaches a peak in midsummer. butterfly’s wings are brown with dark spots.

Eggs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Caterpillars Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Butterflies Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Winter cereals Spring crops Landscape elements A 9 A 9

Common The Common Blue is one of our most common Population trend Blue lycaenids. It has however largely disappeared from local areas with intensive agricultural use. In organic agriculture it still usually finds favourable living condi- Threat tions. Germany * You as a farmer can, with simple measures, make a significant contribution to help this pretty butter- North-east Germany * fly feel at home here and be able to reproduce sufficiently. The arrangement of spots on the underside of the wings is characteristic for the individual lycaenid species (left). Where is special In perennial legume-grass leys during the 1st pro- Eggs are laid both on blossoms and leaves. protection duction year, especially in gappy stands with White worthwhile? clover, less in pure and dense stands of Red clover. In addition at field margins. The butterfly prefers sites with medium soil quality, south-facing slopes Way of life Life cycle and borders of hedges exposed to sunshine. The Common Blue is a real all-round- There are normally two generations er. It can be found in all habitats from of Common Blue per year in north- Measure damp grassland to dry grassland in east Germany (flying in May / June in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority which suitable food plants for the cat- and in August / September). The sum- M 5 Butterfly strips* Preservation of nectar sources and deposited • • erpillars can be found, and where the mer generation is much more numer- eggs after mowing vegetation is not too dense. ous and peaks in August. The cater- M 3 High cut* Conservation of deposited eggs • It lays its eggs however exclusively pillars of this second generation over- on the leaves and flowers of legumi- winter in the litter layer on the ground. Landscape elements nosae, in legume-grass leys on White Successful reproduction is therefore M 15 Field margins on rich soils Habitat and undisturbed reproduction • • clover, Lucerne, Red clover and Black only possible in places where there is medic. In other habitats for example, no soil tillage from August to May * preferably in the 1st production year the Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus cornicu- when the new butterflies hatch. Con- latus) is very popular. The butterflies servation measures in legume-grass are not however choosy about which leys should therefore preferably be blossoms to visit: In addition to ovi- carried out in perennial cultivation position plants, they also fly for ex- and in the first production year. If ample to Centaurea, Oregano or there is reploughing, the caterpillars Thyme as a source of nectar. of the summer generation are lost.

The butterflies sometimes also gather on moist ruts on the fields

Eggs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Caterpillars Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Butterflies Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Landscape elements A 10 A 10

Grasshoppers A number of species of saltatoria, which externally Population trend appear quite similar at first sight, are designated as Some species grasshoppers. With a little practice however, they can be easily distinguished by their song. The fol- Threat lowing are widespread in the agricultural landscape Germany * / NT in north-east Germany: Lesser Field Grasshopper, Common Field Grasshopper, Bow-winged Grass- Brandenburg * hopper, Upland Field Grasshopper (A 11), Meadow Mecklenburg-W.P. * / 3 Grasshopper, Steppe Grasshopper and Lesser Saxony-Anhalt * Marsh Grasshopper. The Lesser Field Grasshopper is one of the most common Grasshoppers live mainly in grassland, on field grasshoppers in dry country in north-east Germany. margins and set-asides as well as in legume-grass leys. From there however, some species also migrate every year into the cereals and after harvesting onto the stubble. Way of life and abundance Reproduction The individual grasshopper species Most grasshopper species lay their Where is special In perennial legume-grass leys and on field have different requirements concern- eggs in the ground; the Steppe Grass- protection margins. Grasshoppers prefer poor to medium ing the density and height of vegeta- hopper and Lesser Marsh Grasshop- worthwhile? soils as well as south-facing slopes and hilltops. tion as well as the dampness of the per however lay their eggs at the habitat. Many feel especially comfort- base of grasses. The sensitivity of Measure able in dry sparsely covered locations the eggs to dehydration is species-

in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority with a lot of sunlight, others in turn, specific. It determines which habitats M 4 Bird strips*  such as the Water-meadow Grass- the grasshoppers can settle in. Spe- Refuge area after mowing •• M 5 Butterfly strips* • • hopper, are regular wetland special- cies which are found in dry warm

M 3 High cut Protection of the grasshopper and its larvae and eggs • ists. habitats with short vegetation, ac-

The density of individuals in high qual- cordingly have good dehydration pro- Landscape elements ity habitats is between 1 and 10 tection. M 15 Field margins on rich soils  • • grasshoppers per square metre. Whereas the adult animals die in the M 16 Field margins on dry poor soils Habitat, undisturbed reproduction and refuge area; • • The Lesser Field Grasshopper and the autumn, the eggs laid in the summer M 18 Buffer strips around biotope connectivity • Steppe Grasshopper are declining in overwinter in or on the ground. Suc- water bodies the west and south of Germany and cessful reproduction is therefore only are on the Red List in many states possible in places where there has * only in the 1st there. The Steppe Grasshopper is been no soil tillage during the egg production year also threatened in Mecklenburg- and larva phase. Western Pomerania. Grasshoppers go through a series of larval stages or instars between moults before reaching maturity.

Eggs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Larvae Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grasshoppers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Legume-grass Landscape elements A 11 A 11

Upland Field The small Upland Field Grasshopper is one of the Population trend Grasshopper few saltatoria to have its centre of occurrence in Germany in arable landscapes and not in grassland. Threat It prefers unmown, sunny field margins and fallow Germany NT land. The grasshopper betrays its presence through its song: Although very quiet, it is very distinctive North-east Germany * and sounds like a steam locomotive. And for this The Upland Field Grass- reason the species is also called “Locomotiefje” in hopper prefers a continen- Dutch! tal climate. That is why the species is becoming Where is special Along the field margins and in legume-grass leys rarer from the north-east protection on sandy soils. Legume-grass is particularly inter- to the south-west. worthwhile? esting for measures if nearby field margins make the settlement of the field easier. The Upland Field Grasshopper feeds primarily on grasses.

Preservation The basic prerequisite for the long-term survival of of the habitats the Upland Field Grasshopper is the preservation Habitat of unmown or only rarely mown margins at the The Upland Field Grasshopper prefers soils without veg- edges of fields. Medium sites on sandy soils are etation alongside soils with taller but not too dense veg- ideal. What is more important than the width of the etation. The boundary line between the field margin and field margins is that the boundary line is as long as the field or the field margin and country lanes is therefore possible and that the habitats are connected. ideal for the grasshopper. The saltatoria then also migrate from the field margins to fallow land, legume-grass leys, Measure stubble fields and into the peripheral areas of cereal fields

in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority rich in herbs. M 4 Bird strips*  Field margins which are frequently used for driving tend Refuge area after mowing • M 5 Butterfly strips* • to remain unsettled.

in grain crops Reproduction M 13 Small-scale set-aside Habitat, undisturbed reproduction • The females lay their eggs in the course of the summer in the ground at locations without vegetation. They often

Landscape elements use the burrows of ants or small mammals as the soil is M 16 Field margins on dry poor soils  Habitat; undisturbed reproduction and refuge area; • • very loose there and warms easily. While the eggs over- Narrow field margins** connectivity of habitats • • winter in the ground, the adults die in the autumn. Suc- cessful reproduction is not possible on arable fields with * only in the 1st production year soil tillage as the clutches are destroyed during tillage. ** see p. 81

Roesel’s The monotonous buzzing “song” of Roesel’s Bush- Population trend Bush-Cricket Cricket is as much a part of a summer meadow flickering in the heat as a bottle of cool water in a Threat picnic basket. Everybody has probably heard this Germany * sound even if they have perhaps not consciously perceived it. The cricket produces its characteristic North-east Germany * buzzing by rubbing both its front wings, which are covered with small tooth-shaped pegs, together very fast. The Bush Cricket’s ‘ears’ are in its front legs by the way. Roesel’s Bush-Cricket requires Roesel’s Bush-Cricket is one of the bush-crickets, which long, but not too dense vegetation. It prefers differ from the field grasshoppers due to their long antennae. sparser areas in legume-grass leys with a higher The light stripe around the pronotum is characteristic. proportion of grasses. However it is found most frequently in dry meadows and field margins. Af- ter mowing, the Bush-Cricket leaves the legume- grass – unless it is offered a refuge area there in Way of life and abundance the form of unmown strips. Roesel’s Bush-Cricket is a very mobile species – although most of the individuals only have short wings and cannot Where is special In legume-grass leys and along the field margins. fly. Under certain environmental conditions, for example protection The species is only rarely found in pure clover or when the population density is high, animals capable of worthwhile? lucerne stands. Roesel’s Bush-Cricket prefers me- flight emerge with fully developed wings. Roesel’s Bush- dium soils. On very poor soils the vegetation is too Cricket feeds on grasses and small insects. low, on productive soils too dense. The density of individuals is, as for other large grasshoppers, considerably lower than for the smaller grasshoppers (A 10, A 11), in legume-grass leys usually less than 1 individual per 100 m². Legume-grass is nevertheless a significant habitat because of its high proportion of land in Measure organic agriculture.

in legume-grass leys Main effects Priority M 4 Bird strips*  Reproduction Refuge area after mowing •• M 5 Butterfly strips* • • Roesel’s Bush-Cricket lays its eggs at the base of plant stalks in the summer; its eggs overwinter there. Eggs laid Landscape elements in late summer however do not develop until the next M 15 Field margins on rich soils Habitat, undisturbed reproduction and refuge area; • • year but one, which is determined by the lengths of the biotope connectivity days. The adult animals die in the autumn. Successful reproduction is not possible in cereals due to tillage opera- * only in the 1st production year tions.

Forking The original home of the Forking Larkspur, like that Population trend Larkspur of many segetal flora species, lies in the eastern Mediterranean and in the Middle East. As a cultur- Threat Night-flowering al companion, the species settles in sparse cereal Catchfly Germany 3 crops on calcareous or base-rich soils. The Lark- Dwarf Spurge spur represents many other often vulnerable spe- Brandenburg 3 cies with similar site requirements. These plants Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 disappear when fertilizers and herbicides are used Saxony-Anhalt * intensively, but also under set-aside. In north-east Germany, the Larkspur is still usually widespread in organic agriculture. The Larkspur can be supported with a low crop density, which also creates good prerequisites for many other threatened segetal flora species. On favourable soils, the Larkspur develops strong plants with a lot of blossoms. Where is special In winter cereals on base-rich areas. The effects of protection drilling gaps (M 8) or reduced sowing density (M 9) worthwhile? are especially positive on productive soils with a Biology and companion plant species high crop density. The Larkspur is a member of the family of the ranuncu- laceae, and is for example related to the Field Nigella Suitable The following measures can be implemented on (A 15). Characteristic of both species are the pinnately dis- measures the entire field or small-scale on suitable sub-are- sected leaves. as. In north-east Germany the Forking Larkspur populates a wide spectrum of base-rich soils. It grows there equally Measure as well on deep, loamy soils as on dry, calcareous hilltops in grain crops Main effects Priority or on base-rich sandy soils. A regular and likewise vulner- M 7 No harrowing No losses due to harrowing • • able companion is the Night-flowering Catchfly. The Corn M 8 Drilling gaps 50 to more than 100 % increase in blossoms and fruit • • Poppy is conspicuous on nutritious, not too dry sites. M 10 Delayed stubble breaking* ripening of fruit on the stubble • • A typical plant on dry sparsely covered hilltops on the oth- M 9 Reduced sowing density 50 to more than 100 % increase in blossoms and fruit • er hand is the endangered Dwarf Spurge.

* Important for the Dwarf Spurge and the Night-flowering Catchfly, Influence of the use of fertilizers two vulnerable companions of the Larkspur. A large part of the fruit As long as the crop does not block out too much light, of the Larkspur ripens before the cereal harvest. the Larkspur reacts positively to the use of fertilizers. The The Night-flowering species therefore grows especially well in drilling gaps Catchfly (above) and the on rich soils. inconspicuous Dwarf Spurge are companions of the Larkspur.

Young plants Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Flowering season Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Fruit maturity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Winter cereals A 14 A 14

Field Madder The Field Madder is non-competitive and thus prof- Population trend Corn Buttercup its greatly from low crop density. Under favourable Dark Speedwell conditions, the plant can form regular mats on the Threat stubble. The Field Madder is an indicator of loamy Germany * soils with good water holding capacity, upon which other extremely rare species also grow. Such as Brandenburg 2 the Corn Buttercup for example, which is critically Mecklenburg-W.P. 2 endangered in north-east Germany today. It is hard Saxony-Anhalt 3 to believe that this plant was once one of the worst weeds in England.

Where is special In all winter and spring crops. In north-east Ger- protection many, the Field Madder prefers loamy, base-rich worthwhile? soils with good water holding capacity.

Suitable The following measures can be implemented on measures the entire field or small-scale on suitable sub-areas. The pale pink blossoms of the low-growing Field Madder are unspectacular. The plant resembles the Goosegrass, except that it does not cling. Measure in grain crops Main effects Priority M 7 No harrowing No losses due to harrowing • • Lifespan and Distribution M 8 Drilling gaps Less competition, better development opportunities • • The seeds of the Field Madder seem to have only a short lifespan in the M 10 Delayed stubble breaking Ripening of fruit on the stubble • • ground, so that the plant usually disappears quickly if there is no tillage. M 9 Reduced sowing density Less competition, better development opportunities • The species can also reproduce however in gappy legume-grass leys and is sometimes even spread with the legume-grass seeds.

Companion plant species Frequent companions of the Field Madder for example are Perennial Sow- thistle, Spear Saltbush, Persian Speedwell and Sun Spurge. Among other companions under threat are the Dwarf Spurge and Forking Larkspur (A 13), as well as the Corn Buttercup and Dark Speedwell, which are critically endangered in north-east Germany. The Dark Speedwell is in addition vulnerable throughout Europe. As north- east Germany represents a large part of its geographic range, protection of this species here is of great significance.

Field Nigella Field Nigella reaches its northernmost distribu- Population trend Dwarf Spurge tion boundary in north-east Germany. It has be- Annual Woundwort come very rare throughout Germany whereby Threat the Oder area represents a centre of occur- Germany 2 rence. The low level of precipitation and the rapidly warming soils meet its requirements Brandenburg 2 well. Mecklenburg-W.P. 1 The species is notable only in its blooming pe- Saxony-Anhalt 2 riod at the height of summer. The non-competitive plant is as a rule dependent upon soil management, which repeatedly creates open habitats. Field Nigella can only survive in very gappy dry grassland even without the farmer.

Where is special In all winter and summer crops apart from root protection crops. Field Nigella is frequently found at the Where Field Nigella occurs, cereals usually only grow worthwhile? edges of fields, in contact with alkaline dry very sparsely. grassland. It also grows on dry hilltops where calcareous and / or alkaline soils have come to the surface through erosion. Development and related species Field Nigella only germinates in the spring. The late-flow- Preservation The basic prerequisite for the long-term surviv- ering plant does not fructify until August. of the habitats al of Field Nigella is the extensive arable use of Two well-known and closely related species are the Nig- low yield sites. ella Damascena or “Love-in-a-Mist” and the Nigella Sativa. The seeds of the Nigella Sativa have been used in the Ori- Suitable measures The following measure can be implemented ent as a spice for more than 2000 years. The black cumin on the entire field or small-scale on special low seed oil common in natural medicine is made from this yield, alkaline sites. species. Another related species for example is the Fork- ing Larkspur (A 13). The fruit of the Field Nigella is five-piece, Measure Companion plant species here with a snail in in grain crops Main effects Priority Other rare plant species grow along with the Field Nigella aestivation. M 10 Delayed stubble breaking Ripening of fruit on the stubble • • such as the Littlepod False Flax, Corn Gromwell, Larkspur, Annual Woundwort and Dwarf Spurge. The latter two species are also dependent upon delayed stubble breaking to form sufficient ripe fruits.

Prickly Poppy – community Population trend Fingered Speedwell, Strict Forget-Me-Not Threat The Prickly Poppy is a small, rather inconspicuous Germany 2 species of poppy and prefers poorer sites than its larger brother, the widely spread Corn Poppy. It is Brandenburg n. s. eponymous for a community of plants with a dis- Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 tribution focus in north-east Germany. This Prickly Saxony-Anhalt 3 Poppy-Segetal Flora community is particularly eye- catching in April with several early bloomers: The deep blue Fingered Speedwell, the white Thale Cress or the (also) white blossoming Spring Draba. They use the time when the crop plants are still low. The Prickly Poppy itself then blooms mainly The Prickly Poppy is much smaller than the Corn Poppy. in May. The Prickly Poppy-community hardly exists The bristles on the elongated fruits are characteristic (below left). any longer in conventional agriculture due to the intensive use of fertilizers and widespread applica- Deep-blue flowers and tion of herbicides. palmately lobed upper leaves differentiate the Where is special In all winter cereals, because the characteristic Fingered Speedwell from protection species typically germinate in autumn. Suitable other speedwell species. worthwhile? sites are sandy to slightly loamy, weakly acidic to weakly alkaline and relatively dry.

Suitable measures The following measures can be implemented at suitable sites as a strip or on sub-areas of the field.

Companion plant species Measure The arrival of spring is accompanied by the Fingered Speedwell, Spring Draba, in grain crops Main effects Priority Thale Cress, Strict Forget-Me-Not and the Ivy-leaved Speedwell. They are

M 7 No harrowing No losses due to harrowing • • hardly to be seen by early summer; taller species such as Scentless Mayweed, M 8 Drilling gaps*  Cornflower or Wind Bent Grass then dominate. The Parsley-Piert is typical for Better development opportunities • M 9 Reduced sowing density • moderately moist locations. In more acidic areas, Annual Knawel and Sheep Sorrel are found. Weak alkaline sites on the other hand are characterised by * The plants of the Prickly Poppy-community usually find good the presence of the Forking Larkspur (A 13). development opportunities on medium to poor soils in organic agriculture. The measure is therefore only useful in vigorous crop stands.

Lamb‘s Succory In historical times Lamb’s Succory was widespread Population trend Slender Parsley-Piert on fields with nutrient-poor, dry sandy soils. Today it Downy Hempnettle is vulnerable throughout Europe because low yield Threat sites have either been set-aside or transformed Germany 2 into higher yield sites through the use of fertilizers and liming. A worldwide centre of occurrence North-east Germany 2 of the species lies in north-east Germany, so that an important contribution can be made here to the preservation of this old crop companion.

Where is special In all winter and summer crops. The species pre- protection fers little or unfertilized, acidic sandy soils with a worthwhile? pH value below 5. Extensive growths of Sheep Sorrel are usually noticeable at such sites during legume-grass cultivation and set-asides.

Preservation The basic prerequisite for the long-term survival of Gappy crop stands are characteristic for sites of the habitats Lamb’s Succory is the extensive arable farming of with Lamb’s Succory. low yield sites.

Suitable measures The following measures can be implemented on Biology the entire field or small-scale on suitable sub-areas Lamb’s Succory belongs to the Compositae family. It is of the field. relatively frost-susceptible, meaning that plants germinat- ed in autumn only survive mild winters. Under an Atlantic climate the species mainly germinates in the autumn, un- Measure der a more continental climate on the other hand, prima- in grain crops Main effects Priority rily in spring. M 7 No harrowing No losses due to harrowing • • The plants can definitely benefit from moderate amounts The similar-looking M 12 Reduced use of fertilizers Preservation of favourable site conditions • • of fertilizer and develop more fruits, however only as long Cat’s-ear differs from and liming and sparse crop cover as they are not suppressed by the crop. Lamb’s Succory through M 10 Delayed stubble breaking* Ripening of fruit • the long hairs on its Companion plant species fruits. * Above all important in areas with a more continental climate. Species frequently found on Lamb’s Succory sites are For under such conditions, the species does not germinate until Sheep Sorrel, Corn Spurrey, Annual Knawel, Little White spring, and fructification continues into late summer. Bird’s-foot, Slender Parsley-Piert, Common Cat’s-ear and the grasses Finger grass, Bristle grass and Annual Vern- algrass. The rare Downy Hempnettle is also found in the west of north-east Germany.

Partridge Quail Threat The partridge is a typical inhabitant of richly structured ag- Up until the middle of the 20th century, the Quail was Threat Germany 2 ricultural landscapes with a variety of crops (arable fields, a “mass bird” in arable landscapes; but a dramatic col- Germany * North-east Germany 2 grassland) and landscape elements such as field margins, lapse in the population began with the intensification of Brandenburg 2 country lanes, hedges, embankments, small fallow areas agriculture. Reliable information on the population trend Mecklenburg-W.P. * or “waste land”. Areas with large-scale agriculture, as of the Quail is however difficult to come by, as large-area Saxony-Anhalt * is typical in north-east Germany today, only have a low migrations are normal for this species throughout the en- partridge population. This is because partridges, which tire breeding season. As a migratory bird, the Quail be- are territorial in the breeding season, see each other and gins courtship in north-east Germany at the end of April react aggressively towards each other, and also without at the earliest, the number of calling males reaches a sufficient coverage available, many partridges fall prey to maximum in June. The birds preferably settle perennial Partridge their enemies. Alongside the preservation of remaining fallow land on poor soils, spring cereals and legume-grass landscape elements, the partridge can be helped above leys. On cultivated arable land, the species benefits from Quail all by the planting of hedges (p. 81) and copses and the many of the measures described in this manual (above establishment of field margins (M 15, M 16). In principle it all M 1 to M 10). Moreover a large proportion of set-aside also benefits however from all agronomic measures un- arable land is beneficial for the Quail (providing there is no dertaken in grain crops that promote a wealth of insects mowing there during the breeding season from May to and foster crop stands, which are easy for partridge chicks August). to run through (M 7 to M 9).

Lapwing Montagu’s Harrier Threat The Lapwing breeds in the spring on barren sites with As a ground-breeding bird, the Montagu’s Harrier prefers Threat Germany 2 high ground water level. It builds its nest mainly on short large, unused meadows to nest in, with a vegetation Germany 2 North-east Germany 2 (moist) grassland, on arable fields (above all maize, spring height by May of more than 40 cm already. The original North-east Germany 1 cereals, fallow land) as well as beside field wet-spots or habitat of this bird of prey has however been destroyed small water bodies. Most young birds hatch in May. The throughout Western Europe through the widespread de- Lapwings travel where possible with their young into struction of large-scale moors and humid meadows. As neighbouring meadows and pastures in the search for the natural breeding sites are missing, the Harriers today food. Food is looked for on the ground and consists main- settle mainly in lucerne and winter cereals. The most ly of invertebrates (earthworms, insects). In order to stabi- important protective measure is the extremely time-con- lize the population of the Lapwing and thereby also other suming search for breeding sites on fields and the estab- meadow breeding species, the decisive measure is the lishment of a protection zone (5050 m) around the nests, large-scale rewetting of grassland in connection with no which is given a wide berth during the mowing and / or use before the end of June and keeping high water levels. harvest, until the young birds fly off in July. In several fed- In arable landscapes with little grassland, the preservation eral states (e.g. Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig- of field wet-spots (p. 80) and kettle holes and their water Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia) the farmer is granted catchment areas is of great importance. appropriate financial remuneration for leaving out the nest protection zones.

120 121 European Hamster Field Gagea and Meadow Gagea Threat European Hamsters dig their burrows primarily in deep The Field Gagea and the Meadow Gagea belong to the Threat Germany 2 loam and loess soils. They can however also be found lily family and are related to tulips. They sprout from their Field Gagea North-east Germany 1 on poorer soils such as the diluvial soils in Brandenburg bulbs early in the year and can thereby optimally exploit Germany 3 formed by the Ice Age. The European Hamster withdraws the periods of light and water before the main develop- Habitats Directive into its burrow in October at the latest to hibernate. To- ment of the vegetation. The striking yellow blossoms can Brandenburg 3 Annex IV day’s fast, large-scale, low-loss harvest as well as the be seen in March and April. In the summer and winter the Mecklenburg-W.P. 3 stubble breaking which often follows directly afterwards plants, with their newly formed daughter bulbs, survive Saxony-Anhalt * hardly leave the European Hamster enough time to gain buried in the ground. Both species were once widespread in weight before hibernation and to gather a winter stock- on fields, today they are almost only found on church- pile. Measures which help it to successfully overwinter yards and cemeteries, in old parks and in grass margins therefore help the Hamster most of all: These include along lanes. During ploughing, the overwintering bulbs shallow or non-inverting tillage (M 11), delayed stubble are buried too deeply in the ground. For the preservation breaking (if possible not before mid-October; p. 80, M 10) of these beautiful plants, it is necessary that ploughing is and the establishment of non-harvested cereal strips (p. shallow. 80), blossom strips (M 14) or bird and / or butterfly strips (M 4, M 5). In several federal states (for example Saxony- Anhalt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse), financial support Marsh and aquatic plants on arable fields for “hamster-friendly cultivation” is provided through spe- The many non-draining hollows and overflowing kettle Threat cial agri-environmental programmes. holes, in which the water gathers in winter in years with Elatine alsinastrum high precipitation, are a special feature of north-east Ger- Germany 2 many. Many plant and animal species are specialized on Brown Argus these only occasionally emerging habitats. These include Brandenburg 2 Threat The Brown Argus achieves its highest population in north- very rare aquatic plants as well as representatives of the Mecklenburg-W.P. 1 Germany NT east Germany on long-term set-asides of dry sandy soils. so-called “dwarf plant communities” who do not appear Saxony-Anhaltt 1 Brandenburg NT But the species is also frequently found on poor blossom- until the wet-spots start to dry up in late spring or sum- rich field margins. This also applies to the even more numer. Several species are in sharp decline and vulnerable merous Sooty Copper that lives moreover in humid mead- throughout Europe, such as for example, the “Sand Rush” ows. The first generation adult Brown Argus is present Juncus tenageia and Elatine alsinastrum. The most impor- from mid-May to mid-June, the second generation from tant measure for the protection of these endangered spe- mid-July to August. Its caterpillars in north-east Germany cies is the preservation of the habitats, i.e. neither draining live on Cranesbills and Storksbills, the Sooty Copper’s cat- nor filling them in (p. 80). Delayed stubble breaking (M 10) Brown Argus erpillars on Sorrel. They overwinter on the ground. Both retains its importance for late-fructifying species. Other butterfly species are best supported in agricultural areas than that, customary soil management should be car- Elatine alsinas- through field margin establishments on poor soils (M 16) ried out including primary soil tillage. Without agronomic trum at a field or long-term set-aside on poor, dry sandy soils. use, fast-growing, dense vegetation soon arrives, and the wet-spot in species named are displaced. The Lapwing and amphib- north-east ians such as the Common Spadefoot Toad or the Fire- Brandenburg bellied Toad also benefit from the measures described here (A 6, A 7). .

122 123 Long-term Nature Conservation: The nature What does the nature conservation plan consist of? conservation plan for the whole farm What is important is that the measures are specifically selected and located at suitable sites. This is because many of the measures achieve the greatest success for Each of the measures presented that you use on one of the species being promoted on sites where the animals or your fields has a positive effect on biodiversity and leads plants are very common or the prevailing living conditions to management which is friendlier to nature conserva- are particularly good for them. The scope of measures tion. The profiles provide information about which condi- to be aimed at for the whole farm is a target figure of tions – relating to the individual fields – have to be ful- 10 to 30 % of upgraded arable land. filled to ensure the measures are successful. How can the whole farm however, be correctly assessed from a The nature conservation plan consists of five elements: nature conservation viewpoint, and which opportunities arise from this for the long-term development of the farm The Nature Conservation Field List: Notes are made for while doing justice to nature conservation. each field as to which animal and plant species the field A nature conservation plan is especially suitable for is particularly well suited as a habitat, or whether a field is farms which less suitable. From this, ‘maps of biotic potential’ can be – want to do more than simply participate drawn up in which fields are marked which are particularly in individual measures, suitable for specific measures. – want to include 10 % or more of their arable land in a nature conservation concept, Hot Spot map: Includes all the special locations (= ‘Hot – want to determine the nature conservation potential Spots’) which have special significance for nature conser- for their entire farm, vation. These could be unused ‘biotopes’, but also field – need a basis for decision-making for their locations with special soil properties, for example. engagement in nature conservation. It is worthwhile to begin considering measures suitable LE map: Includes existing (and where appropriate, for the whole farm and to integrate them at best step-by- planned) landscape elements such as field margins, water step into farming procedures on the basis of a detailed bodies or hedges. nature conservation plan. Optimised crop rotation: The proportions of the individ- How much time is required for the preparation ual crop species and their spatial distribution (correspond- of a nature conservation plan? ing to M 19 and M 20) are included in the planning. Various possibilities are presented below of how a nature conservation plan can be drawn up for the whole farm. List of measures: A selection of measures that is adapt- The first time you occupy yourself with this, you should ed to both farm and regional conditions. allow 2 to 3 hours in order to familiarise yourself with the fundamental elements. With this knowledge, a nature From the plan it can be seen conservation plan can be generated – either independ- – which animal and plant species are to be supported, ently or with the aid of an adviser. The preparation can be – where on the farm this should happen and with which completed in a few working days. The plan is then also measures, usable in subsequent years. If changes are necessary or – what opportunities (and challenges) exist on the level desired later, the time required is slight. of landscape elements and biotope connectivity, – which measures are most suitable for the farm.

124 125 In this way a plan of measures can be derived to suit the Table 1 specific farm for a particular year or for a particular time Chart for the evaluation period. The individual steps of the nature conservation of the potential habitat suitability of fields plan are explained in more detail below.

The Nature Conservation Field List: Which species can I support and where?

The Nature Conservation Field List offers an aid to deci- Soil rating index Skylark Corn BuntingYellow WagtailWhinchat Red-backedBrown Shrike, Hare BarredFire-bellied WarblerCommon Toad, European SpadefootButterflies, Tree ToadSegetal FrogSaltatoria Flora sion-making on the question of which of the species pre- < 30 sented in the manual should be supported on which fields • • • • • • • 31 – 45 on a farm. • • • • • • 46 – 60 As a first step, the available information concerning the • • •

typical animals and plants on the farm area or those in Relief need of special protection should be ascertained, for example because scientific investigations have been carried With hilltops • • out in the area. The occurrence of rare species is often known by the regional nature experts, it is worthwhile in- Landscape elements quiring or collaborating with nature conservation associa- Water bodies, wet-spots • • • tions, nature conservation authorities or local landscape Dry grassland • • conservation associations. Farms within large nature re- Fallow land, waste land • • • • • • • serves can moreover find out from the authorities wheth- Field margins • • • • • • er area-specific conservation goals exist. If farm areas lie Forest, edge of forest • • • • • • *•* within the Natura 2000 network, certain species or habi- Hedges, copses • • • • • • *•* tats must normally be respected. Roads • • • • • How can I prepare the Nature Conservation Field List and Biotic Potential Map myself? A field is ‘suitable’,if it has at least one ‘positive’ orange • required The next step is to evaluate the suitability of each field as characteristic. Where a green ‘required’ characteristic is • positive a habitat for the species presented in the manual. The re- also shown for a species, this is a requirement for suit- • negative sults can be recorded in a list (Nature Conservation Field ability. A field is ‘unsuitable’, if it has a ‘negative’ red * south-exposed List) or in a map (Biotic Potential Map). Even if there is no characteristic. In all other cases, a field has ‘low to me- no entry = no effect concrete information available about the existing species, dium suitability’. the farmer or his adviser can make this assessment himself with the aid of Table 1 on the basis of the field char- For the documentation in the Field List (Table 2), it suf- acteristics of ‘Soil rating index’, ‘Relief’ and ‘Configuration fices to label fields by species or species group as with landscape elements’. + (suitable) – (unsuitable) no entry (low to medium suitability).

126 127 Table 2 Map 1 Nature Conservation Field List for the Biotic Potential Map and Hot Spots of the Ökodorf Brodowin Ökodorf Brodowin GmbH & Co.KG GmbH & Co.KG biodynamic farm (extract) biodynamic farm (excerpt) High suitability – Skylark Low suitability – Skylark No suitability – Skylark No. Field designation Skylark Corn BuntingYellow WagtailWhinchatRed-backedBrown Shrike, HareFire-bellied Barred CommonWarbler Toad, Butterflies,EuropeanSpadefootSegetal Tree Toad Saltatoria Frog Flora 1 Rummelsberg + + + – – – – – + + Hot-Spot 2 Dreschberg + + + + + + + + + 1 species-rich moist 3 Judenfriedhof – – – – + + + + + 2 meadow, Whinchat site 4 Zaunlinks – – – + + + + + + 4 2 important amphibian 5 Marktberg – – – – + + – – + + spawning areas 6 Kirchenland + + + + + + + + + + 1 3 alkaline field site with 7 Herford + + + – + + – – + adjacent dry grassland 8 Dahms + + + – + + + + + + 3 4 bushy hedge system, 9 Wacholderberg – – – – + + – – + + distribution centre for the 10 Trompeterberg – – – – + + + – + + Red-backed Shrike and Barred Warbler

As an alternative or supplement to the Nature Conserva- is special protection worthwhile?’) in the profiles of the tion Field List the results can also be marked on a map in species. The farm should not make any changes or elimi- different colours. This provides you with a ‘Biotic Poten- nate such extremely valuable sites if possible without tial Map’. consulting specialists. Several Hot Spots belonging to the Taking the example of farmland birds, Map 1 shows Ökodorf Brodowin GmbH & Co.KG biodynamic farm (red how the information from Table 1 and / or from the Nature circles 1 to 4) are marked in Map 1. Conservation Field List can be converted into a ‘Biotic Potential Map’ for the ‘Skylark’. If a farm has a number The LE Map: Preserve, establish, connect of “good Skylark fields” such as in Map 1 and wants to landscape elements support the species, it is sensible to carry out measures All of the larger landscape elements on the farm (primarily primarily on the fields which are particularly suitable. water bodies, woody structures, field margins and fallow land) are marked on the LE Map. With the aid of this map, The Hot Spot map: Where are particularly valuable the quantity and distribution of landscape elements can sites or species? be seen at a glance. Thus for example, extremely isolated Hot Spots are defined within the scope of the manual as landscape elements or certain sub-areas of the farm (e.g. special sites of major significance for nature conservation. cleared or hedge-dominated areas) can be identified. The Among the segetal flora, there is a series of specialists optimisation of the farm network of landscape elements with very particular soil requirements, which are only met can be well planned: The following can be marked or indi- on a small-scale on a few fields on a farm. Or the farm cated, for example has an area that has remained unused for many years for – hedges, which require medium-term maintenance example, which represents an undisturbed reproduction – amphibian water bodies, which require a buffer strip habitat for the farm’s Whinchat population. – landscape elements which need to be established. If no concrete information is available potential Hot The implementation of the relevant measures can then 128 Spots can be deduced from the site information (‘Where follow in the long-term and step-by-step. The target figure 129 for the whole farm is a proportion of landscape elements Table 3 of at least 5 % of the farm area, ideal would be 10 to 15 % Effort and yield losses in small and / or large-scale implementation (see p. 35). From a nature conservation viewpoint, it is of measures particularly effective to promote landscape elements primarily in those sub-areas of the farm where a relatively Measure Large-scale Small-scale large number of elements is already available. In doing so, Effort Loss Effort Loss the focus should be on wood-free landscape elements M 1 Later 1st cut •• ••• such as field margins and fallow land in order to preserve M 2 Later 2nd cut •• ••• the open character of the north-east German landscapes. M 3 High cut •• •• •• • To reduce erosion for example, it can also be useful in M 4 Bird strips • •• • • individual cases however to initially provide large, unpro- M 5 Butterfly strips • • tected fields with suitable landscape elements. M 6 Amphibian strips •• • M 7 No harrowing • •• • • Planning crop rotation from a nature conservation M 8 Drilling gaps •• •• • • viewpoint M 9 Reduced sowing density •• ••• • •• The share of cultivated crop species in the crop rotation, M 10 Delayed stubble breaking • •• • • the size of the fields and the spatial distribution of the M 11 Grubbing instead of ploughing • •• • • crop species on the farm area are subject to longer-term M 12 Reduced use of fertilizers and liming • • farm planning. If a farm commits itself to the protection of M 13 Small-scale set-aside • • farmland and hedgerow birds, Brown Hare or amphibians, M 14 Blossom strips •• ••• •• •• then crop rotation planning for the whole farm also needs M 15 Field margins on rich soils •• •• to take the habitat requirements of these animal groups M 16 Field margins on dry poor soils • • into consideration (see M 19 and M 20). M 17 Wood maintenance and management •• •• M 18 Buffer strips around water bodies •• • List of farm measures: M 19 More spring crops •• •• Which measures suit my farm? M 20 Better distribution of crop species •• •• According to the type of farm, site conditions or the de- sires of the farm manager, only a selection of the pro- Effort • low •• medium to high posed measures come into question. Particular weather Yields loss / costs • low •• medium ••• high conditions can moreover necessitate short-term changes No entry = variant not planned to the planning of measures. Therefore it is sensible to draw up a list of measures which can be realistically implemented on the farm. Aids What first? for decision-making are provided through the detailed in- Implement priority measures first formation in the profiles of the measures. Alternatively, The scope of the desirable nature conservation measures using Table 3, an individual selection can be made on the will always be limited by economic and organisational basis of the effort required by the farm and the losses to constraints. Several measures usually come into ques- be expected. It must be noted that the estimates of effort tion for the protection of a species group, from which the and yield losses for M 1 to M 6 as well as for M 15 and most efficient can be selected with the help of Table 4. M 18 are based on dairy farms. Measures with a very high priority achieve the comparatively greatest success for the species concerned. For the sector of landscape elements the following applies: The preservation, maintenance and connectivity of existing el- 130 ements have precedence over new establishments. 131 Table 4 • Segetal flora and the establishment Assessment of the measures according of landscape elements to their priority for the species groups Typical segetal flora is dependent upon soil management; presented in the manual these species disappear on perennial set-asides or permanent grassland. The establishment of set-asides (M 13), perennial blossom strips (M 14), field margins (M 15, 16) and buffer strips around water bodies (M 18) can therefore lead to conflicts with the protection of segetal flora, not least because field areas with poorer soil conditions

Measure Farmland birds Hedgerow birds Brown Hare Amphibians Butterflies Saltatoria Segetal Flora are particularly suitable in each case. An analysis of the M 1 SpäterLater 1st 1. cutSchnitt • current status is required here: On sites where rare seg- M 2 SpäterLater 2nd 2. Schnittcut • • • etal flora are found, priority should be given to the contin- M 3 HochschnittHigh cut • • • ued arable use and conservation measures for the segetal M 4 VogelstreifenBird strips • • • flora. M 5 ButterflyFalterstreifen strips • • M 6 AmphibienstreifenAmphibian strips • • • • Segetal flora and the optimisation of crop rotation M 7 StriegelverzichtNo harrowing • • • Most of the vulnerable segetal flora species thrive particu- M 8 DrillingDrilllücken gaps • • • larly well or exclusively in winter cereals. For this reason, M 9 ReducedReduzierte sowing Saatstärke density • • the proportion of spring crops should not exceed 50 %. M 10 SpäteDelayed Stoppelbearbeitung stubble breaking • • • •* M 11 GrubbingGrubbern insteadstatt Pflügen of ploughing • • • Amphibians and later 2nd cut in legume-grass leys M 12 ReduzierteReduced use Düngung of fertilizers und Kalkung and liming •* Fire-bellied Toads, European Tree Frogs and other am- M 13 Small-scaleKleinflächige set-aside Stilllegung •* • • • • • phibian species live in and around small water bodies in M 14 BlossomBlühstreifen strips •* • • spring and reproduce there. The young leave their water M 15 FieldSäume margins auf besseren on rich Standortensoils • • • bodies from about the end of June and migrate across the M 16 SäumeField margins auf trockenen on dry poor Magerstandorten soils • • • • arable fields. On legume-grass leys with an abundance of M 17 WoodGehölzpflege maintenance und -nutzung and management • • • water bodies, conflicts of objectives can arise with the M 18 GewässerrandstreifenBuffer strips around water bodies • • • • conservation of farmland birds and Brown Hare. For a late M 19 MoreMehr springSommerungen crops • • • cut in the legume-grass leys would lead to great losses M 20 BetterFruchtarten distribution besser ofverteilen crop species • • • • among the amphibians as the 2nd cut then falls during the migration period of the young animals. A later 2nd cut •very high priority * = for certain species should therefore not be carried out in the area surround- • high priority no entry = no priority ing valuable amphibian spawning areas. • negative Site consistency of measures Rare segetal flora are generally restricted in their- occur rence to narrowly limited arable areas. These species Recognising and solving conflicts of objectives therefore need to be continuously supported on the from a nature conservation viewpoint same field or field area. Site consistent (or permanent) Table 4 also helps in the recognition of conflicting objec- measures also make sense for amphibians, saltatoria and tives between the requirements of different species. butterflies. Farmland birds on the other hand are mobile Measures which may negatively effect a certain species across a wide area and are able to reselect the most suit- group, should not be implemented on sites which are fa- able habitats on the farm every year. Here the locations 132 vourable for the species, for example: of the measures can therefore be changed with the crop 133 rotation and be oriented towards the crops preferred by Explanation of important terms the species. This also applies to an extent to the Brown Hare. In the context of the manual: narrow (<1 m) up to 20 m Field margin Measurement of results: Have the targeted wide strips of grasses and herbs without woody struc- nature conservation goals been reached? tures at the edge of a field directly beside a neighbouring For the majority of the measures in this manual, extensive biotope (e.g. bordering forest, lane or water body). experience is available to indicate their effects on particular species, and the references to favourable conditions will aid the search for suitable locations for implementa- All punctiform or linear parts of the arable landscape that Landscape tion. are not, or not regularly, managed. A distinction is made in element (LE) In the same way as the farmer can optimise the crop the manual between permanent (usually already existing) rotation with the experience of several years with the soil and temporary LE which only exist for one or a few years. and climatic conditions on his farm, it is also possible to Permanent LE: e.g. hedges, woodland, rows of trees, learn from experience with nature conservation measures. embankments, field margins, fallow land, country lanes, For this it is sensible to investigate, at least on a case- kettle holes. Temporary LE: e.g. field wet-spots, blossom by-case basis, every two to five years whether and / or to strips, one-year set-asides. what extent goals have been reached. The method of measurement of such results will vary from farm to farm and depend upon the measures applied. On the basis of Trees or large bushes which protrude clearly above the re- Outstanding their knowledge, a number of farmers may be interested maining woody structures such as hedges, for example. structures in carrying out this measurement of results themselves. There are already approaches to self-study and experience in practical application in Baden-Wuerttemberg within the Cereals and grain legumes, which are harvested as grain Grain crops framework of the MEKA II programme. It is however also crops; maize and silage from total crop plants are not in- possible that the farm’s agricultural expert or nature con- cluded. Measures, such as blossom strips and small-scale servation adviser can perform this task. Universities and set-aside, are listed in the manual with the grain crops as technical colleges are often grateful for the opportunity to they are mainly implemented in these crops. be able to carry out application-oriented research projects and dissertations. Farms within the Natura 2000 network or large nature reserves can possibly receive targeted as- Mixture of small legumes and grasses, for example Legume-grass sistance from the competent administrative bodies. lucerne-clover-grass. leys

Cereals, grain legumes and their mixtures which are sown Spring crops in spring, as well as alternate wheat varieties suitable for autumn and spring sowing.

In the context of the manual: only relates to the winter Winter cereals cereal species which are sown in the autumn.

134 Soil quality Soil rating index (SRI) values relating to the site situation List of abbreviations prevalent in north-east Germany low SRI < 30 medium SRI 31-45 SRI Soil Rating Index high SRI 46-60 BfN German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

Red Lists (RL) The red lists provide information about the threatened sta- DBH Diameter at breast height and threat tus of individual species and thereby on the status of bio- BMBF Federal Ministry of Education and Research categories logical diversity. Population numbers, population trends, and where appropriate, special risk factors, determine the DBU German Environmental Foundation classification of the species. The following categories ex- dt Decitonne ist: GJ Gigajoule 0 = extinct or presumed extinct (EX) ha Hectare 1 = critically endangered (CR) 2 = endangered (EN) kg Kilogram 3 = vulnerable (VU) LE Landscape element * = least concern (LC) NT = (“near threatened”) species, whose populations MEKA Market Relief and Cultivated Landscape have noticeably declined, but are not yet vulner- Programme (Baden-Wuerttemberg) able MJ Megajoule NABU Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union The Flora- Council Directive 92/43 EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Con- Germany Fauna-Habitat servation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. NEL Net Energy Lactation Directive (FFH) Annexes I and II: Designation of the natural habitat types and Annexes as well as the animal and plant species of community in- NRW North Rhein Westphalia terest; Annex III: Criteria for selecting sites; Annexes IV to RL Red List VI: Determination of special regulations for the protection of species. DM Dry Matter Vol. Volume

The Birds Council Directive 79/409 EECof 2 April 1979 on the Con- Directive servation of wild birds.

Natura 2000 A Europe-wide ecological network of special protection areas. “Natura 2000” comprises the areas of community importance designated in the Habitats Directive as well as the special protection areas designated in the Birds Directive.

136 137 Species Annual Knawel Dark Speedwell Lesser Marsh Grass- Persian Speedwell Thale Cress ABC Scleranthus Veronica opaca A 14 hopper Veronica persica A 14 Arabidopsis annuus A 16, A 17 Dwarf Spurge Chorthippus albomar- Prickly Poppy thaliana A 16 Annual Vernalgrass Euphorbia ginatus A 10 Papaver Anthoxanthum aristatum A 17 exigua A 13, A 14, A 15 Littlepod False Flax argemone A 16 Upland Field Grass Annual Woundwort Downy Hempnettle Camelina Prickly Poppy-Segetal hopper Stachys annua A 15 Galeopsis segetum A 17 microcarpa A 15 Flora community Chorthippus Little White Bird’s- Papaveretum apricarius A 10, A 11 Barred Warbler Elatine Alsinastrum foot Ornithopus argemones A 16 Silvia nisoria A 4 Elatine alsinastrum p. 123 perpusillus A 17 Water-meadow Grass- Black Hairstreak European Hamster Love-in-a-mist Quail hopper Satyrium pruni p. 33 Cricetus cricetus p.122 Nigella Coturnix coturnix Chorthippus Bow-winged Grasshopper European Tree Frog damascena A 15 p.121 montanus A 10 Chorthippus biguttulus A 10 Hyla arborea A 6 Queen of Spain Whinchat Bristlegrass, Green Mayweed, Scentless Fritillary Issoria Saxicola rubetra A 3 Setaria viridis A 17 Field Gagea Tripleurospermum lathonia A 8 Wind Bent Grass Brown Argus Gagea villosa p.123 perforatum A 8, A 16 Apera spica ven- Polyommatus agestis p. 122 Fingered Speedwell Meadow Gagea Red-backed Shrike ti A 16 Brown Hare Veronica triphyllos A 16 Gagea pratensis Lanius collurio A 4 Lepus europaeus A 5 Fingergrass, Smooth p.123 Roesel’s Bush-Cricket Yellow Wagtail Digitaria ischaemum A 17 Meadow Grasshopper Metrioptera Motacilla flava A 2 Cat’s-ear, Common Forking Larkspur Chorthippus roeseli A 12 Hypochaeris radicata A 17 Consolida parallelus A 10 Cat’s-ear, Smooth regalis A 13, A 14, A 15, A 16 Montagu’s Harrier Skylark Hypochaeris glabra A 17 Field Madder Circus pygargus p.121 Alauda arvensis A 1 Corn Buttercup Sherardia arvensis A 14 Sooty Copper Ranunculus arvensis A 14 Field Nigella Nigella sativa Lycaena tityrus p.122 Corn Poppy Nigella arvensis A 15 Nigella sativa A 15 Sorrel, Sheep Papaver rhoeas A 13, A 16 Fire-bellied Toad Night-flowering Rumex acetosella Common Blue Bombina bombina A 6, p.123 Catchfly A 16, A 17 Polyommatus icarus A 9 Silene noctiflora A 13 Spear Saltbush Common Field Grasshopper Ivy-leaved Speedwell Atriplex patula A 14 Chorthippus brunneus A 10 Veronica hederifolia A 16 Parsley Piert, Field Spring Draba Common Spadefoot Toad Aphanes Erophila verna A 16 Pelobates fuscus A 7 Juncus tenageia arvensis A 16 Steppe Grasshopper Corn Bunting Juncus tenageia p. 123 Parsley Piert, Slender Chorthippus Emberiza calandra A 2 Aphanes dorsatus A 10 Cornflower Lamb’s Succory inexspectata A 17 Strict Forget-Me-Not Centaurea cyanus A 16 Arnoseris minima A 17 Partridge Myosotis stricta A 16 Corn Gromwell Lapwing Vanellus Perdix perdix p. 120 Sun Spurge Lithospermum arvense A 15 vanellus p. 120, 123 Perennial Sowthistle Euphorbia helio Corn Spurrey Lesser Field Grasshopper Sonchus scopia A 14 Spergula arvensis A 17 Chorthippus mollis A 10 arvensis A 14 138 139 Sowing mixtures for blossom strips important as hunting perches for farmland birds; do not and field margins use segetal flora species such as poppies or Cornflow- ers, unless seeds of regional origin are available. These Sowing mixtures are available for the seedings recom- and other species can emerge again after ploughing and mended in the manual (M 14, M 15, M 18), although these crossbreed into the local segetal flora. can differ greatly in species composition and price. What needs to be taken into consideration – apart from the • Desired characteristics Field margins price – are the site conditions, the planned usage, the rich in blossoms with high plant species diversity, near on rich soils duration of the measure and of course the requirements natural 1 to 2 cut meadow (False Oat Grass meadow, rich M 15 of the species to be supported. The planned long-term meadow, poor meadow) seedings (M 15, M 18) should be selected especially care- • Suitable plant species fully and where appropriate a higher price also paid for an – herbs and legumes: Field Scabious, Smooth Hawkbit, optimal mixture. A long-term stable species combination Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lucerne, Oxeye Daisy, Red Clover, which is suited to the location is more useful (and more Sorrel, Common Yarrow, Ribwort Plantain, Yellow economic) for permanent seedings than an initial very Goat’s-beard, Meadow Knapweed, Spreading Bellflow- high level of biodiversity. Optimal results can be achieved, er, Upright Bedstraw, Rough Hawk’s-beard among oth- if the sowing mixture is put together from individual spe- ers. cies depending upon the sites to be seeded (for exam- – grasses: Downy Oat Grass, False Oat Grass, Creeping ple, by nature conservation advisers, administrations or Red Fescue, Scented Vernalgrass, Common Meadow associations, there is also a lot of helpful information in Grass, Meadow Lescue among others. Bosshard 2000). – additionally on alkaline dry soils: Black Medic, Origanum, With planned long-term seedings in particular, it is Greater Knapweed, Meadow Clary among others. strongly recommended that seeds of designated regional • Tips origin are used, in order to avoid genetic “pollution” of only use seeds of regional origin for wild plant flora. Max. the landscape (many wild plants have developed regional 3 % legumes (on nitrogen-poor sites up to 5 %), keep pro- peculiarities and differ genetically from plants which hail portion of competitive top grasses such as e.g. False Oat- from other areas of origin). To aid orientation for the con- Grass low. sumer and quality assurance, certificates have recently been developed. You can find more information about • Desired characteristics Buffer strips them at www.natur-im-vww.de. near natural 1 to 2 cut meadow (moist meadow, rich around water meadow) bodies Blossom strips • Desired characteristics • Suitable plant species for moist sites M 18 M 14 maximum coverage 70 %, multi-level structural develop- – herbs and legumes: Cabbage Thistle, Ragged Robin, ment with tall perennials, blossoms with nectar and pol- Oxeye Daisy, Yellow Meadow Vetchling, Sorrel, Tall len for insects, optically attractive blooms Buttercup, Marsh Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Meadow Knapp- • Suitable plant species weed, Cuckoo Flower among others. – crop plants: Borage and other spice plants, Sainfoin, – grasses: Downy Oat Grass, Crested Dog’s-tail, Creep- White Mustard, all clover species, Lucerne, Mallow, ing Red Fescue, Scented Vernalgrass, Meadow Foxtail, Phacelia, Pot Marigold, Sunflower among others. Common Meadow Grass, Meadow Lescue among oth- – Wild plants: Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Corn Cockle, Parsnip, ers. Yellow Sweet Clover, Wild Carrot among others. • Tips • Tips only use seeds of regional origin for wild plant flora, for mix tall and low-growing as well as annual and perennial sites with more dry to fresh soil conditions follow the rec- 140 species (perennial plants with outstanding structures are ommendations for M 15, max. 3 % legumes. 141 Addresses for seeds References from north-east Germany Agriculture and nature NABU (2004): Vögel der Agrarlandschaft. Bestand, BMVEL (2006): Cross Compliance – Informationen für Gefährdung, Schutz. – Bonn (Naturschutzbund Here you can find seed mixtures for www.wildsamen-insel.de Landwirte. www.mulv.brandenburg.de Deutschland), 45 p. different locations and purposes, as Wildsamen-Insel Bosshard, A. (2000): Blumenreiche Heuwiesen aus Schwarz, J. & Flade, M. (2007): Bestandsentwicklung well as a large selection of individual Uta Kietsch Lindenallee 3, Ackerland und Intensivwiesen. Naturschutz und der Brutvögel in Brandenburger Großschutzgebieten Landschaftplanung, 32, 161 – 171 im Vergleich mit Ostdeutschland 1995 – 2004. Otis plant species as well as detailed in- 17268 Temmen Flade, M., Plachter, H., Henne, E. & Anders, K. (2003): 15, 37– 60 structions for sowing: www.saaten-zeller.de Naturschutz in der Agrarlandschaft – Ergebnisse Saaten Zeller des Schorfheide-Chorin-Projektes. Quelle & Meyer Brown Hare Verlag Wiebelsheim, 388 p. Boye, P. (1996): Ist der Feldhase in Deutschland ge- www.rieger-hofmann.de Erftalstr. 6, 63928 Riedern Güthler, W. & Oppermann, R. (2005): Agrarumweltpro- fährdet? – Natur und Landschaft 71, 167–174 Rieger-Hofmann GmbH www.natur-im-vww.de gramme und Vertragsnaturschutz weiter entwickeln. Zörner, H. (1988): Feldhase Lepus europaeus PALLAS In den Wildblumen 7 Verband deutscher Wildsamen- Mit der Landwirtschaft zu mehr Natur. Ergebnisse in: Stubbe, H. (Hrg.) 1988: Buch der Hege, Band 1 des F+E-Projektes ›Angebotsnaturschutz‹. Natur- Haarwild. Verlag Harri Deutsch. Thun – Frankfurt/ 74572 Blaufelden-Raboldshausen und Wildpflanzenproduzenten schutz und Biologische Vielfalt, Heft 13, 226 p. Main www.saale-saaten.de e. V. Litterski, B., Jörns, S., Grabow, M. & Manthey, Matthias Stolle M. (2005): Extensiv bewirtschaftete Sandstandorte Amphibians Saalestrasse 5, 06118 Halle aus vegetationsökologischer Sicht. In: U. Hampicke, Blab, J. & Vogel, H. (1996): Amphibien und Reptilien B. Litterski & W. Wichtmann (Hrsg.): Ackerland- erkennen und schützen. – München, BLV-Verlagsge- schaften – Nachhaltigkeit und Naturschutz auf sellschaft, 159 p. ertragsschwachen Standorten. Springer Verlag, Dürr, S., Berger, G. & Kretschmer, H. (1999): Effekte Further information on the subject of 191– 206 acker- und pflanzenbaulicher Bewirtschaftung auf Kretschmer H., Pfeffer, H., Hoffmann, J., Schrödl, G., & Amphibien und Empfehlungen für die Bewirtschaf- Nature Conservation in Organic Agriculture Fux, I. (1995): Strukturelemente in Agrarlandschaften tung in Amphibien-Reproduktionszentren. – RANA, Ostdeutschlands – Bedeutung für den Biotop- und Sonderheft 3, 101–116 www.bfn.de www.gut-peetzig.de Artenschutz. Selbstverlag des Zentrums für Agrar- Kneitz, S. (1998): Untersuchungen zur Populations landschafts- und Landnutzungsforschung (ZALF) e. V., dynamik und zum Ausbreitungsverhalten von Amphi- Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Landwirtschaftsbetrieb Gut Peet- Müncheberg, 231 p. bien in der Agrarlandschaft. – Bielefeld, Laurenti- Bonn zig im Biosphärenreservat NABU (2006): Landwirtschaft 2015 – Perspektiven und Verlag, 240 p. www.naturschutzhof.de www.fibl.org Anforderungen aus Sicht des Naturschutzes. Bonn, 63 p. Butterflies and Saltatoria BfN-Projekt »Naturschutzfachli- Forschungsinstitut für biolo- Nentwig, W. (2000): Streifenförmige ökologische Bellmann, H. (2006): Der Kosmos Heuschreckenführer. che Optimierung des großflächi- gischen Landbau FiBL, Frick Ausgleichsflächen in der Kulturlandschaft – - Acker Franckh-Kosmos, Stuttgart, 350 p. gen Ökolandbaus am Beispiel (Schweiz) und FiBL Deutschland krautstreifen, Buntbrache, Feldränder. W. Nentwig Ingrisch, S. & Köhler, G. (1998): Die Heuschrecken des Demeterbetriebes Ökodorf e. V. (Hrsg.) – Bern: vaö-Verlag Agrarökologie, ISBN Mitteleuropas. Westarp Wissenschaften, Die Neue 3-909192-14-9, 293 p. Brehm-Bücherei Bd. 629, Magdeburg, 460 p. Brodowin« www.oel.fal.de Oppermann, R., Braband, D., & Haack, S. (2005): Na Settele, J., Steiner, Reinhardt, R. & Feldmann, R. www.brodowin.de Institut für ökologischen Land- turindikatoren für die landwirtschaftliche Praxis. (2005): Schmetterlinge. Die Tagfalter Deutschlands. Landwirtschaftsbetrieb Brodowin bau, Trenthorst (Johann Heinrich Zeitschrift für Agrarpolitik und Landwirtschaft, Son- Ulmer, Stuttgart, 256 p. derdruck aus Band 83, 76 –102 GmbH & Co.KG im Biosphären- von Thünen-Institut, Bundesfor- Rahmann, G. & Elsen, T. v. (Hrsg.) (2004): Naturschutz Segetal flora Reservat Schorfheide–Chorin schungsinstitut Ländliche Räume, als Aufgabe des Ökologischen Landbaus. Landbau- Arlt, K., Hilbig, W., & Illig, H. (1991): Ackerunkräuter, www.uni-kassel.de/hrz/db4/extern/ Wald und Fischerei [vTI]) forschung Völkenrode, Sonderheft 272, 104 p. Ackerwildkräuter. Die Neue Brehm-Bücherei 607, Stein-Bachinger, K., Fuchs, S., Gottwald, F., Helmecke, Ziemsen-Verlag, Wittenberg Lutherstadt, 160 p. frankenhausen www.naturschutzhoefe.org A., Grimm, J., Schuler, J., Zander, P. (2010): Natur- Manthey, M. (2004): Ackerwildkrautfluren. In: C. Berg, BfN-Projekt »Die Integration von Förderpreis Praktischer Natur- schutzfachliche Optimierung des großflächigen J. Dengler, A. Abdank & M. Isermann (Hrsg.): Die Naturschutzzielen in den Ökologi- schutz auf landwirtschaftlichen Ökolandbaus am Beispiel des Demeterhofes Ökodorf Pflanzengesellschaften Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns schen Landbau am Beispiel Betrieben Brodowin. Ergebnisse des E+E-Vorhabens ›Natur- und ihre Gefährdung. Landesamt für Umwelt, Natur- schutzhof Brodowin‹. BfN-Schriftenreihe, in print schutz und Geologie, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, der Hessischen Staatsdomäne www.bluehende-landschaft.de Weissdorn-Verlag, Jena, 273 – 285 Frankenhausen« Netzwerk Blühende Landschaft Birds Schneider, Ch., Sukopp, U., & Sukopp, H. (2007): Biolo- www.lpv.de George, K. (2004): Veränderungen der ostdeutschen gisch-ökologische Grundlagen des Schutzes gefähr- Agrarlandschaft und ihrer Vogelwelt. Beiträge zur deter Segetalpflanzen. Schriftenreihe für Vegeta Deutscher Verband für Land- Avifauna Sachsen-Anhalts, Band 12, Heft 1/2, 138 p. tionskunde 26, Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Bonn- 142 schaftspflege e. V. Bad Godesberg, 356 p.