More and longer lasting water for alkaline grassland habitats

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2023. 03. 13.

Experts are delighted by the glimpses of inland water in the steppe. That's because one of the key condition for the survival of our natural grassland habitats, such as fen meadows, bogs and alkaline habitats, is periodic water cover. The rainfall in recent weeks is promising, however alkaline habitats would need more and longer-lasting surface water.

Small pools of water, or contiguous, almost lake-sized expanses are all good news for the experts of the Kiskunság National Park Directorate, as inland water is important for the continued existence of alkaline habitats. On the outskirts of Fülöpszállás, groundwater glistens now on both sides of the road.

Alkaline habitat is an umbrella term. They are low-lying areas where groundwater is close to the surface. Zoltán Turny Jr., grassland conservation advisor to the Kiskunság National Park Directorate, highlighted three kinds of such alkaline habitats: swamps, meadows and steppes. All of these can be found around Fülöpszállás, and all rely on periodic water cover. If water levels are permanently absent, plants adapted to salt-rich water are unable to o produce enough seeds to sustain their populations. In fact, experts are already aware of some species that no longer occur in the area.

At first glance a seemingly deserted field or meadow - and the water that temporarily covers it- play a key role in the survival of countless organisms. In addition, the various worms and sometimes macroscopic creatures that multiply in these waters provide vital food for birds. For saline habitats, it would be most beneficial if the water cover would remain until March-April or even June, and only evaporate with the really hot summer weather.