Investigating stripped sod slabs in the Pinzgauer Grasberge on the left-hand slopes of the Salzach valley
Abstract
General: Over the past decades, heavy rainfalls have led to the emergence of large patches of progressively worsening erosion in the Pinzgauer Grasberge. With soil material potentially destabilising, the pastures below are endangered. Patches of erosion may also trigger debris flows which threaten villages with destruction. Method: At the lower catchment area of the Gernkogel (Upper Pinzgau), vegetation and soil are examined, specifically for soil compaction by grazing. A suitable seed mix is applied to the test lots, using ten different sowing methods. The lots are monitored for five vegetation periods to evaluate whether the growth is suitable as protection against erosion. A number of parameters (canopy density, mean leaf height, number of flowering shoots, ripening of seeds, cohesion of mulch layers and soil erosion) are investigated in order to obtain figures for comparisons. A statistical evaluation will then point at the most suitable sowing method. The investigation is carried out in the Steinbach catchment area just below the Gernkogel in Upper Pinzgau (Salzburg). Objective: The study aims to understand the processes causing susceptibility to erosion in the project area, based on an investigation and analysis of soil and vegetation parameters, and to optimise the use of suitable seed mixes and sowing methods.
erosion control vegetation soil
Publikationen
Project staff
Florin Florineth
Em.O.Univ.Prof. Dr.phil. Florin Florineth
florin.florineth@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
31.01.2000 - 31.01.2006