The Bohrer Field Research Site

The Institute for Landscape Management maintains a 4.5 ha meadow area that is leased from the City of Freiburg in Bohrer, near Horben. A field research site was established here by Dr. Prof. Barner in 1954 for experimental and ecological studies. At present there are several studies being conducted: Dr. Peter Seiffert examines succession on various reclamation substrates on the stone field and Dr. Peter Wattendorf studies the hydrological balances of reclamation substrates. Likewise, Dr. Benoît Sittler is conducting an investigation into flood tolerance, by studying water flow rates across damp fields that are planted with various tree species. Long-term observation areas and transects through the Bohrer Stream have been arranged within the framework of the Institute's study programme.

Wherever possible, the area must be kept free from previous research efforts (such as Larch and Fir cultivations), and also partly from wild growing trees and hedges, by the use of a chain saw. Likewise, the water flow of the Bohrer Stream must also be maintained. The areas that are currently not used for research purposes are mowed twice a year by a narrow tractor with a rear hay mower. The resulting material is partly used for compost or left on the field. A farmer manages these surface areas that are not used for research purposes as meadows.