As cities globally contend with the intensifying impacts of climate change, urban lawns and vast grasslands are increasingly succumbing to extreme heat and prolonged drought. This environmental pressure not only leads to widespread desiccation and a dramatic decline in species diversity but also erodes the crucial ecological functions these green spaces perform, such as carbon sequestration and environmental cooling. However, pioneering research originating from Central Europe offers a beacon of hope: new grass mixtures incorporating resilient species from the Pannonian region could provide a blueprint for creating drought-proof, ecologically vibrant, and truly sustainable urban landscapes.
The scientific endeavour, known as the PannFlora project, is strategically rooted in the unique adaptability of Pannonian flora. This region, spanning parts of Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Lower Austria, and southern Moravia, is recognised as Central Europe’s driest, hottest, and climatically most extreme zone. Consequently, its native plant species have evolved an exceptional resilience to harsh weather patterns, particularly arid and sweltering summers. “The main purpose is to collect and propagate species from flowery meadows that are typical for this area and are able to cope with climatic extremes,” explained Stanislav Hejduk from the Faculty of AgriSciences at Mendel University in Brno, articulating the project’s core objective to harness nature’s own solutions for urban sustainability.
Scientists are meticulously selecting approximately 80 plant species, guided by detailed botanical insights from Masaryk University. While certain species, such as the pink scorpion plant or variegated chicory, are already tested and readily propagated, the challenge for many lies in seed availability. Researchers are actively engaged in collecting seeds from these chosen species throughout the current summer, rigorously testing their suitability for large-scale propagation under diverse field conditions. This scientific rigour ensures that the future greening of urban environments is based on robust, naturally adapted solutions, promoting biodiversity and enhancing ecological functions that are vital for future-proof cities.
Beyond the direct impacts of climate change, experts like Hejduk point to improper care practices as a significant contributor to the degradation of urban green spaces. The outdated method of mowing lawns on a fixed schedule, irrespective of prevailing weather conditions, proves particularly detrimental during dry spells. Hejduk cited the example of 2018, one of the driest years in two decades, where low-mown lawns withered extensively, leading to the massive proliferation of opportunistic species like barley mice. Furthermore, the practice of “mulching,” where excessive biomass from mowing is returned to the lawn surface, can actively degrade the turf, despite its perceived cost-saving benefits. This underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in urban green space management, moving towards climate-adaptive and ecologically informed maintenance strategies.
The integration of native Pannonian grass species into settlement green spaces is envisioned to serve a dual purpose: not only to withstand increasingly hot and dry climates but also to provide significant aesthetic and ecological enrichment. In stark contrast to common lawns that often wither and brown during summer heatwaves, these new species are anticipated to remain vibrant and colourful, attracting a diverse array of insects and supporting urban biodiversity. Species such as Pannonian nettle, meadow cornflower, and meadow sage are among those expected to transform urban green areas into resilient, living oases. Coupled with obtaining seeds, a key focus of the scientists is to advance public education on appropriate urban lawn care, advocating for a holistic and context-sensitive approach to green space management.
The PannFlora project, a collaborative initiative under the Interreg Austria-Czech Republic 2021-2027 programme, unites the expertise of Mendel University in Brno, Masaryk University’s Institute of Botany and Zoology, Agricultural Research Ltd., and Bioforschung Austria. This cross-border scientific collaboration is paramount for developing scalable, evidence-based solutions for urban climate resilience. By fostering such innovation and promoting enlightened green space stewardship, this research provides a crucial blueprint for cities striving to become more eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, and equitable environments, ensuring that urban greenery remains a source of health, beauty, and ecological strength for all residents.
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