Thriving on the Survival Isles
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the city's meadows along the riverbanks, known as Deichwiesen, are undergoing a significant transformation. The primary goal is to protect citizens from high water, but these areas are also becoming a sanctuary for insects and other wildlife.
The mowing frequency in the Deichwiesen significantly impacts biodiversity, particularly insect populations. Reducing the mowing frequency, such as once or twice a year, promotes a variety of flowering plants, which support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects. This approach allows the meadow to develop structural heterogeneity, benefiting insects by providing different niches and shelter.
Fewer disturbances from mowing lead to higher survival rates for ground-nesting insects and invertebrates living in litter or soil. This year, some flower strips on the Löricker Deich and the Lohauser Deich will be mowed only once as a trial.
The city's drainage authority uses the "Tellermah-Technik" for mowing, a method that spares more insects. This disc mowing technique, designed with specific cutting blades, reduces harm to insects by cutting plants cleanly and quickly, causing less physical injury compared to traditional mowing methods. The technique helps in maintaining larger populations of insects immediately after mowing, as fewer insects are killed during the cutting process.
The Tellermah machine's use increases insects' chances of survival significantly. This year, some flower strips on the Löricker Deich and the Lohauser Deich will be mowed only once as a trial. A specialized planning office is accompanying the program ecologically to document positive effects on ecology.
The Düsseldorf Deichwiesen are among the city's most ecologically valuable meadow areas. While they may not be as colorful as frequently mowed meadows, they contribute to biodiversity through the flowering of existing plants and the height of the grass. The city's drainage authority and the Deichverband Neue Deichschau Heerdt are considering ways to contribute to the preservation of species in the Düsseldorf Deichwiesen.
The aim of this trial is to preserve the habitat for insects on these areas. Flower areas cannot be created on dikes due to the need for certain types of grass for dike protection. The preservation of species in the Düsseldorf Deichwiesen is a priority for these organizations, as these meadows play a crucial role in maintaining the city's ecosystem's balance. The same applies to riverbanks, as the primary goal is to protect citizens from high water.
Science plays a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of the Deichwiesen in Düsseldorf, specifically in environmental science. This trial of reduced mowing frequencies in certain flower strips aims to create a more biodiverse environment, favoring the growth of flowering plants that support various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Home-and-garden practices in the Deichwiesen contribute to the preservation of the city's ecosystem balance. By allowing grass to grow tall and leaving the mowing to only once or twice a year, these areas provide a suitable habitat for insects and other wildlife, aligning with the lifestyle of supporting eco-friendly practices and maintaining healthy environmental ecosystems.
