The implementation of an indicator method for eligible grassland within an agri-environmental programme in the German Federal State of Brandenburg

摘要

Regionally specific indicator species and groups can be used to design agri-environmental schemes for extensively used grasslands. In 2007 a preliminary list of indicator species was tested on 122 parcels representing the characteristic spectrum of Brandenburg's grassland site conditions. Finally, 27 indicator species and groups were selected whose occurrences were positively correlated with species diversity. A method for the indicator species' recording was fitted to the different area size of theparcels. Grassland is eligible for remuneration if at least four indicator species occur in all of the required test sections of a single parcel. The method is used in an actually introduced agri-environmental programme in Brandenburg for the targeted promotion of biodiversity outside Natura 2000 areas.