Theme 06: Abiotic Constraints to Forage Production from Grasslands
Description
The predominately pristine lower Oder floodplains have experienced sedimentation and enrichment of heavy metals and contaminants since the start of industrialization in the region. With the creation of the German-Polish National Park, which included the flooded grassland area, intensive milk production has been prohibited. The objective of this research was to estimate the impact of the floodplain heavy metal and contaminant levels on the lower Oder region. Soil and plant content were analyzed for three transects according to accepted DIN methods. High content in soil did not consistently result in high plant contents; however, higher content levels were often observed in hollows. A particular vegetation characteristic of heavy metal soil content was not observed. Exceeded levels in terms of the German fodder ordinance were most frequently detected for Cadmium and Manganese. Extensive pasturing of suckler cows and young or beef cattle is possible with the exception of problem areas.
Citation
Schalitz, G. and Behrendt, A., "Heavy Metal and Contaminant Loading in the Oder River Floodplains and Consequences for Livestock Management" (2021). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 3.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/6/3
Included in
Heavy Metal and Contaminant Loading in the Oder River Floodplains and Consequences for Livestock Management
The predominately pristine lower Oder floodplains have experienced sedimentation and enrichment of heavy metals and contaminants since the start of industrialization in the region. With the creation of the German-Polish National Park, which included the flooded grassland area, intensive milk production has been prohibited. The objective of this research was to estimate the impact of the floodplain heavy metal and contaminant levels on the lower Oder region. Soil and plant content were analyzed for three transects according to accepted DIN methods. High content in soil did not consistently result in high plant contents; however, higher content levels were often observed in hollows. A particular vegetation characteristic of heavy metal soil content was not observed. Exceeded levels in terms of the German fodder ordinance were most frequently detected for Cadmium and Manganese. Extensive pasturing of suckler cows and young or beef cattle is possible with the exception of problem areas.
