Plowing and biodiversity of permanent grassland in Natura2000 areas: Assessment of ecological and environmental impacts of possible ban in the Wieden Weerribben.
Abstract
Since 1st January 2015, as part of the greening of the European common agricultural policy (CAP) a ban has been put on ploughing of permanent grassland in Natura2000 areas. The objective of this measure is to protect biodiversity within Natura2000 areas and conserve soils rich in carbon. The agricultural sector of the Natura2000 area De Wieden Weerribben has requested an exemption from this ban. In this study the ecological effects of the exemption of the ban on ploughing of permanent grassland are assessed.