Research

The roject "Wilde Weiden" focuses on a scientific review of the current state of knowledge regarding carbon sequestration and the climate impact of extensively grazed ecosystems. Particular emphasis is placed on extensive year-round grazing systems with robust cattle breeds, and on what can be learned from the existing scientific literature about carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, as well as relevant greenhouse gas fluxes. The aim of the project is to systematically synthesise the current state of research, identify the key processes and drivers influencing carbon sequestration and the greenhouse gas balance of extensive grazing systems, and highlight existing knowledge gaps. The specific Swiss pilot project areas will be considered in terms of how well they relate to, and can be interpreted in the context of, the systems and processes described in the scientific literature.

The aim of the project is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms by which natural, anthropogenic and construction-related turbidity factors affect the Liesingbach. To this end, datasets on turbidity levels and suspended solids concentrations along the Liesing will be collected at both spatial and temporal resolutions. These will be used to document the construction work on the Liesing as part of a scientific analysis. The spatial resolution is intended to detect the distance over which turbidity caused by construction activities spreads downstream. Construction site-induced turbidity peaks are to be compared with turbidity events of other origins. Subsequently, the turbidity events are to be examined for their correlations, their origin and their hydrograph. The results of the research are intended to provide optimisation for subsequent construction projects with regard to reducing turbidity caused by construction site activities.

This research project, titled “Green Tracks Vienna,” examines the vegetative and hydraulic development of green tram tracks under extreme urban conditions. It is being conducted by the Institute of Engineering Biology and Landscape Architecture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Here is a summary of the key points: Core Objectives and Research Questions The project aims to determine how tram tracks in Vienna can be permanently and ecologically soundly greened. The focus is on the following questions: Substrate development: What composition is suitable as a base layer for greening? Plant selection: Which species can survive the extreme growing conditions in the track bed and form a permanent, biodiverse cover? Vegetation dynamics: How do targeted seedings develop, and which species establish themselves spontaneously? Hydraulics: How does the substrate’s infiltration capacity (infiltration rate) change over time? Work steps (work packages) Implementation will take place in four structured phases: 1. Development of a structural substrate: Analysis of raw materials and creation of an optimized mixture 2. Seed mixture: Development of a special mixture of grasses, herbs, and succulents for the Pannonian region. 3. Vegetation monitoring: Regular assessment of species composition and coverage. 4. Infiltration monitoring: Measurement of drainage capacity