Jutta Kapfer
Research Scientist
Authors
Jutta KapferAbstract
Nedgangen i aktive gårdsbruk i Troms har ført til at tidligere dyrkede arealer gror igjen. Slått av disse områdene kan bidra til å stanse gjengroingen, samtidig som pellets produsert fra plantematerialet kan være et bærekraftig supplement til vinterfôring av rein i perioder med beitekrise.
Abstract
In modern agricultural landscapes, «the green in between» plays a crucial role in supporting the survival of many plant and animal species. These areas include field margins, grassy banks between fields, mid-field islands of uncultivated vegetation, rocky outcrops, fallow land, and other patches of unused ground. We surveyed vascular plant species in these green spaces and compared the results with a similar survey conducted 18 years earlier. Our findings reveal a general decline in species richness, including many plants important for pollinators. Nevertheless, numerous green patches remain species-rich and continue to provide valuable resources for pollinators. Among these, road verges stood out as the most diverse. This suggests that active management of the green in between—such as removing invasive species and implementing regular mowing to maintain flower-rich patches—could significantly enhance its value for wildlife and biodiversity conservation.