Science in chicken water: Research on the climate and ecosystem extended by 2030!

Science in chicken water: Research on the climate and ecosystem extended by 2030!

Welzow, Deutschland - The research work in the source area of ​​the former chicken water stream will continue until 2030. This was today in a signing of the usage agreement by the President of the BTU, Prof. Dr. Gesine Grande, and Dr. Thomas Koch, Head of Geotechnology at LEAG, officially announced. According to b-tu.de aim of this research project in one To observe recultivation area of ​​the lignite mining edge Welzow-Süd.

The research area examined extends over six hectares and was set up as part of the recultivation of the open -cast mining in 2005. In this area, Leag has inserted a layer of sound into the surface, covered it with sand and paved the surface without fertilizing or planting it. Since 2005, BTU scientists and other research institutions have been investigating the ecological processes and structures of the area.

expanded research activities

A comprehensive ecological surveillance network was set up as part of this research. It comprises over 40 fountains, two weirs and three weather stations. The Monitoring covers groundwater levels, water and element flows as well as meteorological parameters. In addition, vegetation changes are documented by aerial photographs.

A specially created pond within the research area provides insights into the creation of young waters and the interactions between terrestrial and aquatic systems. This contract extension also enables further research on the transformative development of landscapes and the effects of climate change. Invasive methods may be used to analyze the reactions of the ecosystem to various changes.

consequences of the lignite mining

The context of this research is the comprehensive recultivation that became necessary after decades of interventions in nature. According to the information from BUND NRW , a total of 33.836 hectares were carried out in the Rhineland by the end of 2021 BRAIKOLATE EMENT. Of this, 23,876 hectares could be used again, with 13,047 hectares for agricultural purposes and 8,797 hectares available for reforestation.

However, the serious interventions leave permanent damage. In this way, valuable ground -forming substrate was extended over a large area, and the new floors generally do not reach the quality of the original. In addition, the profound interventions in the groundwater balance lead to a loss of fertile soils, while the effects on the natural environment are difficult to compare.

The long -term irreversibility that go hand in hand with these interventions are a central concern of current ecological studies in the recultivated areas. The aim is to achieve a better understanding of ecological dynamics and to find ways to make future recultivations more sustainable.