| The aim of the project is to explore pathways for more ecologically sustainable Christmas tree cultivation. The Jauerling region is one of Austria’s largest areas for Christmas tree production and has become an important source of supplementary income for numerous farms, as reflected in the agricultural structure survey. However, common agricultural practices often involve the use of pesticides, which can negatively impact ecosystem services. To counteract these effects and promote sustainable regional development, there is a need to invest in research on alternative, environmentally sound practices.
Over a period of three years, field trials will be conducted in close cooperation with agricultural and scientific partners to avoid the use of herbicides and insecticides. In addition, measures to promote biodiversity will be implemented. The trials will include the testing of alternative seed mixtures and biological pest control methods.
The project was initiated by the ARGE Christbaum Niederösterreich (Lower Austria Christmas Tree Working Group). The Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park acts as project lead and is responsible for the implementation of the field trials, in close cooperation with HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Biohelp, and the LEADER region Wachau-Dunkelsteinerwald. |