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In mountain regions, the likelihood of mudflows might increase due to climate change. Although mudflows are common worldwide and devastate agricultural land, virtually nothing is known about the revegetation of mudflow deposits for agricultural purposes. To provide recommendations for rapid revegetation of mountain pastures, 52 permanent plots (4 m × 4 m) on 20 revegetated mudflow deposits in the Nature Park Sölktäler were established. We evaluated different revegetation measures (seed addition alone or combined with application of straw, lime or cattle manure) two years after sowing using commercial clover-grass seed mixtures. Furthermore, 27 permanent plots on 15 unsown mudflow deposits were surveyed. Sowing seeds can considerably accelerate revegetation on siliceous mudflow deposits. Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens and Lotus corniculatus are particularly suitable for rapid grassland reestablishment, whereas Poa pratensis is not recommendable. A pure straw application should be avoided because it delays the revegetation success. Lime addition is not recommended because it can lead to an undesirable legume dominance if clover-grass seed mixtures are used for revegetation. The most effective measure for large-scale revegetation seems to be seed addition without additives. To facilitate revegetation on coarse-grained deposits, large rocks should be crushed using a stone mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the western side of lake Putterersee (Styria, Austria) several rare and highly endangered vascular plant species can be found. In particular the orchids Anacamptis coriophora (=Orchis c.) and Liparis loeselii are worth mentioning. Their sites located in the submontane belt are described phytosociologically and characterized by detailed habitat investigations and soil analyses. Anacamptis coriophora grows on a wind-protected, steep, south-facing slope at an altitude of 690 m in an unfertilized, low-productive, species-rich meadow, dominated by Bromus erectus (Mesobrometum erecti). The distance to the forest margin is approximately 10 m. The semi-dry calcareous grassland is mown regularly once a year at the beginning of July. The soil is a deep, nutrient-poor, base-rich, calcareous Cambisol. The nutrient deficiency in the soil, the relative excess of Calcium-ions and the periodically dryness of the soil are the main limiting factors for plant growth. Liparis loeselii grows at an altitude of 650 m on a flat site with a distance to the lakeside of approximately 10 m. The soil is a deep, base-rich, calcio- and mesotrophic fen soil (Eutric Histosol) with a high ground water table. The peat thickness is more than 100 cm and the humus form is weakly decomposed peat with few mineral compounds. The lack of inorganic nitrogen in the soil, the excess of Calcium-ions and the soil wetness are the main limiting factors for plant growth. The plant stand with Liparis loeselii belong to the Caricetum davallianae community, representing an unfertilized, low-productive, species-rich, calcareous fen meadow with one cut every year in September. The cover of the bryophyte layer is more than 80 %. Distribution of both orchids in Styria, habitat requirements, endangerment as well as management recommendations and conservation measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiranthes spiralis (L.) CHEVALL. was found in Krungl near Bad Mitterndorf (Styria, Austria) in an unfertilized meadow with one cut every year. This orchid is a rare species in Styria and in Austria. The site is described phytosociologically and characterized by detailed habitat investigations and soil analyses. Spiranthes spiralis grows there at the lower part of a south-facing slope at an altitude of 900 m in a low-productive, species-rich meadow, dominated by Narcissus radiiflorus. The soil is a deep, nutrient-poor, base-rich Gleyic Brown Loam (Chromic Cambisol) in the silicate buffer range. At least the topsoil does not contain carbonates. Parent material is marl and soil water regime is moderately moist. Distribution and endangerment in Styria, habitat requirements as well as conservation measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]