Last week, the Restoration Ecology research group from the Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia took part in greening newly constructed motorway embankments near Kaplice. We sowed the site with a regional mixture of grasses and herbs that we hand-brushed from meadows around Český Krumlov and Halámky. This method is exceptionally gentle on the environment and fully in line with the sustainability principles our faculty has long advocated.
We aim for applied research – translating the outcomes of our scientific work into practice, where they can have a real ecological impact. If the seeding is successful, the slopes should gradually develop into species-rich semi-steppe grasslands and heathlands over the next year.
Unlike commonly used commercial mixes imported from abroad, we worked exclusively with locally sourced seed. These plants are not only more visually appealing but, more importantly, better adapted to local conditions and supportive of native biodiversity. The seed was applied using hydroseeding, a technique that helps the seeds remain on the embankment and take root in the topsoil.
We would like to thank everyone involved in the project – your efforts help us demonstrate that even large-scale landscape interventions can be carried out responsibly and can inspire similar initiatives in the future.
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