The process of rationalisation in mountain agriculture is leading to the abandonment of sites that are cumbersome to farm. The subsequent succession to woodland changes the composition of flora and fauna. What minimal use is necessary on such marginal-yield sites in order to maintain important services such as biodiversity, interconnectedness and soil protection?
To answer this question, we are investigating the effects of cutting, grazing and mulching on vegetation and soil on three sites in eastern and central Switzerland.
