Trials to determine the cutting resistance and bearing capacity of herbs in a flower lawn
Abstract
General: The traditional decorative lawn (zero load tolerance) and the type of turf, known as utility lawn (low load tolerance, e.g. children playing), consist of a monotonous mixture of grasses (max. three species). These types cover extensive ground in any settled area, e.g. 11% were found for Switzerland, and probably the same in Austria. It makes for a considerable environmental burden through the high input of fertilisers and irrigation, and generates substantial disposal costs from the large cutting volume. Adding herbs with a high cutting resistance and bearing capacity may help reduce the use of fertiliser and irrigation: legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen; herbs generally have deeper roots and thus need less water. Method: The series of experiments started with testing some 100 species, varieties and ecotypes of herbs for their cutting resistance, bearing capacity and user comfort. These tests lasted three years. The results were used for new experiments, in which areas with nine different types of grass-herb mixtures were layed out and tested for their bearing capacity. A standard roller is used to simulate trampling an the lawns. The nine types differ from each other in the composition and quantity of their grass- and herb-varieties and in the origin of seeds. Botanical examinations are carried out to investigate the suitability of each grass-herb mixture for utility lawns. The testing fields are located in the testing site of the Department of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction, district 23rd in Vienna. Objecitve: The purpose is to develop and market a new mixture as an alternative to those currently available commercially. The new mixture should produce a flower lawn that needs little grooming, is extremely resistant to trampling, ecologically compatible and also a beautiful sight - distinguishing itself from all traditional lawn types.
Publikationen
Neue Möglichkeiten der Begrünung im Siedlungsbereich - Versuche zurSchnitt- und Trittfestigkeit von Kräutern.
Autoren: Margelik, E. Jahr: 1999
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Gänseblümchen & Co im Garten - Vorteile für Mensch und Umwelt.
Autoren: Margelik, E., Schmidl, B., Maurer, J. Jahr: 2001
Newspaper / Magazine article
Project staff
Florin Florineth
Em.O.Univ.Prof. Dr.phil. Florin Florineth
florin.florineth@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
01.07.1998 - 31.07.2001