Harvesting of biomass and related scientific investigations are taking place in very different habitats. A total of 40 areas were selected in the federal states Thuringia and Brandenburg. These pilot areas represent the predominant habitats in open landscapes, including mountain meadows, lowland hay meadows, calcareous grasslands, orchards, acidic dry grasslands and heaths. Most of the pilot areas are located in protected areas (e.g. Natura 2000 sites, nature reserves, biosphere reserves). In each of the selected areas, woody biomass will be harvested and processed for energetic use between 2009 and 2013.

The main focus of all investigations is to determine the ecological and economic effects of different technologies and logistics, which have been used for harvesting and processing. A further goal is the development of a practical method for predetermining available biomass in advance of harvesting. Several scientific analyses are being carried out by different institutions. Harvesting and processing of the biomass are accompanied by consulting engineers; the energetic quality of the produced pellets is determined by the Thuringian State Research Centre for Agriculture (TLL) and greenhouse gas balances are calculated by the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ). Ecological effects on species and communities are being monitored by the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (vegetation surveys) and the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences (faunistic investigations).

Monitoring the effects of harvesting on vegetation and animal species in different habitats is the fundamental basis for the designation of nature-friendly technology and logistics applicable for biomass harvesting in areas with high nature conservation value. As a first step, goal- and site-specific evaluation and success criteria were defined for each pilot area (e.g. in terms of habitat structure, species composition and habitat quality for certain target species). We collect data using permanent plots and transects to survey the vegetation and different animal groups (e.g. grasshoppers, birds, reptiles).
Surveys are carried out yearly starting in the year before harvesting. We regularly assess the ecological status of each pilot area by means of target-performance comparisons using defined evaluation and success criteria. Furthermore, technology effects such as soil injuries, soil compactions, layers of residual material, and height of remaining stubs and stumps, are recorded and assessed with respect to their potential impact on the development of plant and animal communities (e.g. negative effects due to nutrient enrichment) as well as any follow-up management (e.g. obstacles for mowing or grazing).
Data collected during monitoring of pilot areas for harvesting biomass (success control, technology assessment) should provide statements about the applicability of technology and logistics chains in nature protection areas as well as statements about the potentials and problems in the energetic use of (woody) biomass as a tool in restoration and management of overgrown grasslands. Results and knowledge will be synthesized to produce concise guidelines for harvesting biomass in different habitats of high nature conservation value.

Technology effects, such as soil injuries, soil compactions, layers of residual material and height of remaining stubs and stumps, are recorded and assessed with respect to their potential impacts on plant and animal communities as well as any follow-up management. On the right side: Adonis vernalis - target species on calcareous grasslands. (Photo left, middle: Annett Baasch, Foto right: Volker Johst)

Up to now, woody biomass was harvested in 22 areas. Pellets for energetic use were processed from the resulting biogenic material. By 2013, all other model areas will be harvested. However, clearing can be seen only as an initial treatment. Therefore, in close collaboration with nature conservation and forestry agencies, a follow-up management plan will be developed for the sustainable maintenance of each area. The findings from all subprojects will be synthesized, and concepts and guidelines for efficient and nature-friendly harvesting and processing of biomass from areas with high nature conservation value will be derived. In the future, these concepts will also to help minimize the costs for management and restoration measures in nature and landscape conservation. The results are to be available to nature conservation and forestry agencies, NGO’s, landscape planners, companies and engineers from forestry, horti- and agriculture. In addition, they should be implemented in the current political processes concerning the protection of climate and biodiversity, e.g. adapting funding guidelines and agro-environmental schemes.