Sinus mowing leads to more (flowery) vegetation
Sinus mowing leads to more (flowery) vegetation
The nectar index is a useful method to determine the extent to which a roadside or grassland contributes to the conservation of insects, butterflies and native plants. Research shows that the highest nectar score is possible for HHNK on nutrient-rich dikes.
HHNK has sown dozens of dike sections with flower seed mixtures and investigated whether the seed mixtures will be maintained with appropriate management. Removing grass clippings leads to soil impoverishment and to more vegetation. Good news, then. At more than half of the measuring points, the number of plant species exceeded the target number of 30 species per m2 and almost half achieved the highest nectar score.
Nature Network Netherlands
The linear dike bodies are ideally suited to connect natural areas such as those of the Nature Network Netherlands. Therefore, in the spring of 2020, a number of dike sections were sown with a flowery mixture. And the results appear to be positive. Ecologist Richa Nanne: "We sow the flower patches on the dikes with native plant species to increase the nectar supply, and the increase of insects in these locations will also increase the food supply for reptiles, amphibians and birds, which in turn can benefit predators. Thus, we are restoring the food chain. In addition, varied vegetation provides opportunities for reproduction and shelter."
Thus, the modified mowing policy seems to have a demonstrable positive impact on the vegetative diversity of the selected watersheds. Want to know more? Read the entire report here.