Development of an integrated analysis framework for land use in Rhineland-Palatinate - using the example of grassland development

The project is aimed at stakeholders in Rhineland-Palatinate, including politicians, administrators and practitioners involved in the use and maintenance of grassland.

The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the problems caused by the decline in livestock farming and the resulting threat to grassland use. An integrated analytical framework is to be developed in order to analyze land use changes and simulate scenarios for future use.

A high-resolution spatial database will be created by systematically collecting and merging existing data sources on land use, soil, yields, management systems and animal husbandry. This will be linked to global land use models in order to identify hotspots with an increased risk of abandonment.

The decline in livestock farming is leading to a drop in demand for grassland fodder, which is jeopardizing the long-term use and maintenance of grassland areas. This has a negative impact on biodiversity and the landscape.

The project aims to develop options for the sustainable use of grassland and contribute to the reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy. It strengthens regional practice and combines scientific innovation with practice-oriented issues.