FAQ

While reeds do offer shelter for some birds and animals, they can quickly overtake an entire wetland, outcompeting other plant species and displacing insects, birds, and amphibians that require low vegetation and open water. Over time, the open water disappears entirely.

Reeds create a thick layer of soil, old stems, and roots, leaving no space for other plants to grow—only more reeds. What was once a diverse wetland transforms into an impenetrable, monotonous jungle.

By managing reed growth, we preserve the variety of habitats and species that make wetlands vibrant and ecologically valuable.

The most effective method is year-round grazing by large animals, such as cattle. The herd size must be carefully managed to suppress fast-growing plant species while leaving enough vegetation intact or able of regrowth. For wetlands, an ideal stocking rate is about 0.8–1 cow per hectare.

Another option is regular mowing and the removal of cut biomass. Leaving the mowed vegetation on-site is not recommended, as nutrients from the decomposing plants are reabsorbed into the soil. This nutrient-rich soil then promotes the growth of invasive and fast-spreading plant species.

Plants that thrive in saline soils, known as salt-tolerant plants or halophytes, have evolved unique adaptations to survive in environments where most plants cannot. However, no organism excels in everything—halophytes are at a disadvantage when competing with taller, faster-growing species. In undisturbed salt marsh ecosystems, halophytes find their niche in the saltiest areas, where other plants cannot survive.

Unfortunately, most of our salt marshes have altered water regimes or are overly enriched with nutrients. In such cases, grazing by large hoofed animals is essential. Grazing removes excess nutrients through the consumption of biomass, creates patches of bare soil where less competitive halophytes can germinate, and compacts the ground, bringing more salts to the surface layers of soil.

This seemingly harsh management ensures the survival of salt-tolerant plants even in habitats that are no longer in ideal ballanced condition.

Mowing is important in areas where open landscapes need to be maintained, such as meadows (dry and wet), parks, and public spaces. It’s particularly beneficial to mow fast-growing grasses and invasive or expansive plants that can outcompete native flora. The ideal times for mowing are spring and late summer. To enhance biodiversity, it’s best to mow in a mosaic or strip pattern, leaving a mix of mowed and unmowed areas. This creates habitats suitable for a variety of plant and animal species.

Water buffalo have a unique ability to graze in waterlogged and flooded areas where other livestock cannot thrive. Their grazing prevents wetlands from becoming overgrown with unwanted plants and is crucial for supporting biodiversity. By grazing, buffalo help maintain a diverse mosaic of habitats that benefit a wide range of plant and animal species over the long term.

The domestic water buffalo (Bubalus arnee f. bubalis), also known as arni or kerabau, is a domesticated form of the wild Asian water buffalo (Bubalus arnee). Like domestic cattle, water buffalo are livestock, and their overpopulation or invasive spread poses no greater risk than that of other domesticated animals.

Water buffalo were domesticated around 3000 BCE and have since been used for work, milk, and meat production. In conservation grazing, as with cattle, the impact of buffalo on vegetation is carefully monitored. Herd sizes are adjusted to match the pasture's capacity, preventing overgrazing and soil degradation.

The difference between non-native and invasive species lies in their impact on ecosystems and behavior. A non-native species is one introduced to a new environment outside its natural range, often due to human activities like trade, travel, or deliberate planting. Non-native species can spread naturally in their new habitat without causing significant harm to local ecosystems.

In contrast, an invasive species is a specific type of non-native species that spreads rapidly and aggressively in its new environment, causing negative impacts on local ecosystems. It outcompetes native species and disrupts the ecosystem’s structure. For instance, a diverse wet meadow can turn into a uniform stand of tall goldenrod. This transformation eliminates other plant species, along with insects, amphibians, birds, and other animals dependent on the low vegetation and sunlit pools.

Invasive species can also cause economic damage, alter soil composition, or pose risks to human health.

Identifying invasive plants is essential for protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Invasive plants spread quickly and negatively impact local flora and fauna. Modern tools like mobile apps (e.g., FlowerChecker, Plant.id, or iNaturalist) can help with identification. Some of the most common invasive plant species in the Czech Republic include: Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.), and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

Common reed (Phragmites australis) is native to our region and found on every continent except Antarctica. However, it is highly expansive, meaning that while it’s a native species, changes in the environment have enabled it to spread rapidly and occupy new areas.

Using underground rhizomes, it forms dense stands in wet environments and can grow through water layers tens of centimeters deep—or even several meters, given enough light. While the reed has positive traits, such as its ability to purify water, it also has downsides. It consumes large amounts of water, and its thick layers of leaf debris hinder native plants from germinating underneath. Over time, this can lead to the loss of open water surfaces, transforming a diverse wet meadow into a dense reedbed where little else can grow.