Vegetationsentwicklungen in Grünlandbeständen des Mühlviertels nach Umstellung auf Pflegemahd

Abstract Plant communities from the highlands of the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria are described. These communities originated from grassland use and are currently subject to vegetation dynamics due to extensification. As a result of delayed mowing dates, a reduction in mowing frequency, and the partial retention of vegetation on the areas, the dynamics of species composition can be traced, with a tendency toward the promotion and dominance of individual species. In the medium term, largely homogenized species sets will emerge at the growth sites, resulting in significantly reduced floristic and sociological diversity. Based on the findings, a discussion on management practices is encouraged, also with regard to the effectiveness of the funding criteria of the current agri-environmental programs.