Project description
Most inner-city green spaces and private gardens are fertilized and mowed too often. These homogeneous lawns are botanically poor in species and offer animals—especially arthropods—little food or shelter. However, even small but structurally rich areas, in particular, can make a valuable contribution to nature conservation in urban areas. In general, as agriculture becomes increasingly intensive, human settlements play a more important role in conserving biodiversity. The “Bunte Wiese” initiativeis a joint project by students and faculty from the Institute for Environmental Sciences (iES) in Landau aimed at promoting biodiversity in inner-city green spaces. We are advocating that these areas be mowed only once or twice a year and otherwise allowed to develop naturally. The project is supported by scientific studies at the iES and public outreach efforts. Our partners include municipalities, church communities, and local businesses. We also aim to demonstrate how private gardens can be designed more sustainably.
Theses
Efeoğlu T (2026) The Effect of Mowing Management on Soil Microbial Enzyme Activity and the C:N Ratio in Urban Green Spaces. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Moßgraber, A. (2026) The effect of extensive mowing on fungal and bacterial abundance in soils of urban green spaces. Master’s thesis at iES Landau.
Britz M (2023) The effects of extensive mowing on vegetation and soil arthropods in urban grasslands. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Hilpke L (2021) The influence of mowing on the flora and spider fauna of the “Bunte Wiesen” in the city of Landau. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Angele J (2020) Evaluation of short-term effects of reduced mowing on three trophic levels (vegetation, Auchenorrhyncha, Araneae) in urban grasslands. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Landwehr T (2020) Public acceptance of biodiversity-promoting measures in urban green spaces—reducing maintenance according to the “Colorful Meadow” concept. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Arendt F (2019) Perceptions of urban green spaces—public concerns and appreciation regarding extensively managed meadows. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Laudor K (2018) Vegetation Surveys and Census of Cicada Populations on the “Colorful Meadow” Sites on the Landau Campus. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.
Haimerl J (2017) Promoting Biodiversity in Urban Areas—Challenges, Opportunities, and Projects. Bachelor’s thesis at iES Landau.