Waldweide im Alpenraum. Neubewertung einer traditionellen Mehrfachnutzung | Forest grazing in alpine regions: a re-evaluation of a multi-usage tradition

Abstract

The results of the research project show that subalpine wood pastures produce a heterogenous forest structure, which provide appropriate forage for cattle as well as sustainable protection from natural hazards. A condition is that the animal stocking rate does not exceed a certain level in order to keep browsing damage to a minimum, thereby influencing as little as possible the regeneration of the forest. A close combination of forest and pasture provides better protection from avalanches than the separation of forest area from enlarged open pastures.