The EU-Salvere Project: Producing Native Seeds Using Threshing Material and Species-rich Hay from Grasslands
Anita Kirmer and Sabine Tischew
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernberg, Germany
Extensively managed semi-natural grasslands are known for their extremely high biodiversity. This biodiversity can
be protected by specific conservation measures but also by using the available seed potential in restoration. Seeds
can be harvested with different techniques such as mowing, on-site threshing, or seed-stripping. The use of
harvested seed-rich materials in restoration leads to a species composition typical for the concerned region,
consequently contributing to the preservation of regional biodiversity. The established ecotypes are optimally
adapted to local climatic and edaphic conditions. “Semi-natural grassland as a source for biodiversity improvement
(SALVERE)” is a project within the Central Europe program. Until December 2011, eight project partners from six
EU-countries are working together to promote the use of native plant material in restoration. Among harvesting
techniques, a key issue is quality and quantity of seed mixtures harvested under different conditions. In 2009, 17
pilot projects were implemented and seed mixtures are analysed in laboratory and greenhouse experiments.
Together with five old demonstration trials, restoration success was documented on former arable land, speciespoor grasslands, and mined sites. The trials comprise different vegetation types (Arrhenatherion, Bromion,
Molinion, Deschampsion) and restoration methods (seed-rich green hay and hay, seed-rich material from on-site
threshing and seed-stripping). First results show a fast vegetation development and a good establishing rate of
introduced species. In 2011, a practical handbook for seed harvest on suitable donor sites and ecological
restoration of species-rich grasslands with best practise methods will be published to enhance exchange of
knowledge about ecological restoration all over Europe.