Field and ForestSlide show
Traditional land use
Agriculture in the Urdenbacher Kämpe goes back all the way to the Roman era. In fact, part of the nature reserve's name, Kämpe, derives from the Latin word for field, campus. The nutrient-rich wetland soil is ideal for growing cereal crops. Flooding is less frequent in the higher, drier areas in the centre of the nature reserve. The strip of woodland running through the fields is known as the "Limmit" and was originally planted to slow down fast-flowing floodwaters and encourage fertile sediments to settle.
Farmers and foresters today still use cultivation methods adapted to conditions in the river wetlands.
Agriculture in the Urdenbacher Kämpe goes back all the way to the Roman era. In fact, part of the nature reserve's name, Kämpe, derives from the Latin word for field, campus. The nutrient-rich wetland soil is ideal for growing cereal crops. Flooding is less frequent in the higher, drier areas in the centre of the nature reserve. The strip of woodland running through the fields is known as the "Limmit" and was originally planted to slow down fast-flowing floodwaters and encourage fertile sediments to settle.
Farmers and foresters today still use cultivation methods adapted to conditions in the river wetlands.
TLC
Spelt, wheat, and rapeseed are particularly suited for cultivation in the wetlands. Sowing is in autumn; only very long winter floods can harm the crops. Beets and maize also flourish on the rich wetland soils. Frequent flooding as well as drinking water protection require specialized farming methods. Tractors are fitted with extra-wide tyres and tyre pressure monitoring systems to distribute their weight over a larger area and reduce pressure on the vulnerable surfaces. The natural nutrient content of the soil is enhanced with the help of sensitive, need-based fertilization.
Sustainable forestry
Timber production in the nature reserve is strictly limited to ensure that the woodlands can regenerate, preserving this valuable ecosystem in the long term. When individual trees are harvested, the branches are left in the forest, meaning that animals can take shelter on them during floods. Harvesting only takes place in winter when the ground is frozen, or during longer dry periods, to prevent the heavy machinery sinking into the ground and harming the roots of other trees.
Spelt, wheat, and rapeseed are particularly suited for cultivation in the wetlands. Sowing is in autumn; only very long winter floods can harm the crops. Beets and maize also flourish on the rich wetland soils. Frequent flooding as well as drinking water protection require specialized farming methods. Tractors are fitted with extra-wide tyres and tyre pressure monitoring systems to distribute their weight over a larger area and reduce pressure on the vulnerable surfaces. The natural nutrient content of the soil is enhanced with the help of sensitive, need-based fertilization.
Sustainable forestry
Timber production in the nature reserve is strictly limited to ensure that the woodlands can regenerate, preserving this valuable ecosystem in the long term. When individual trees are harvested, the branches are left in the forest, meaning that animals can take shelter on them during floods. Harvesting only takes place in winter when the ground is frozen, or during longer dry periods, to prevent the heavy machinery sinking into the ground and harming the roots of other trees.
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