TRANSFORMATION OF MORE THAN 10HA OF ARABLE LAND TO PASTURES IN SLOVAKIA HAS BEGUN
Over 10 hectares of land at the border of SPA SKCHVU019 Ostrovné lúky in Slovakia has been leased for 20 years period under the project. The idea was inspired by the results of the LIFE Energy project, held in Slovakia in 2014-2019, under which relation was proved between the bird-attractive crop type and mortality of birds on power lines on sites where this crop was planted.
The area was confirmed to be a particularly important roosting, dispersal, migrating, feeding, and stop-over site for target species of Imperial Eagle, Saker Falcon, and Red-footed Falcon, whilst many other bird species will also benefit from the land restoration. The primary aim is to transform the arable land on the site to the pastures during the project duration and thus create favorable feeding conditions and hunting stands (wooden landing T-platforms) within the area.
In the first year of the project, a special scheme for specific restoration and management of the land will be prepared by the landscape manager to define exact measures and restrictions. All conditions of further management will follow the principles of sustainability and nature conservation. In 2021 - 2023 a grass/red clover mixture will be used to prepare the land for transformation from arable land to pastures. Since the fourth year of the project, the land will be used as pasture. Currently, the first agro-technical techniques of soil cultivation and planting of alfalfa seeds have been initiated on the site.