1.1 Ongoing research projects in Austria related to Sustainable livestock production from grassland
1.1.1 Title: Changing agriculture and landscape: ecology, management and biodiversity decline in anthropogenous mountain grassland RMIS No: HBLFA 2918 (MAB-6/21) Abstract This project is basically concerned with the ecological and socio-economical problems linked to the dramatic changes of the structure, management and utilisation of anthropogenous grassland during the last decades. These problems are not limited to Austria but common to many mountainous areas of Europe and beyond. The mentioned project consisted of five subprojects dealing with floristic diversity, nutrient cycles and forage quality on farms, capturing the cultural value of the grassland landscape, productivity and functionality of Alpine pastures and with the entire socioeconomic sphere including both the farm sector and non-agricultural claims. The results of this interdisciplinary project will help to maintain the essential features of the beautiful mountain landscape in the Austrian Alps and will support the survival of the local mountain farmer communities.