<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The paper explores the relationships between alpine pasture management and pastoral landscape ecosystems, based on research set in the Austrian limestone Alps. The focus of inquiry is laid upon the different management practices employed by pasturing communities. Therefore, the concept of “farming styles”, as introduced by Ploeg (1994) is adapted. Five different types of alpine pasture management could be identified. Those types are investigated further on their impacts on natural environments of vegetation- and landscape patterns, taking diversity of plant communities as an indicator. It is figured out that management strategies as a central factor shaping diversity in mountain pastureland shall be considered in the design of agro-environmental policies and in nature conservation.</p></abstract>

The paper explores the relationships between alpine pasture management and pastoral landscape ecosystems, based on research set in the Austrian limestone Alps. The focus of inquiry is laid upon the different management practices employed by pasturing communities. Therefore, the concept of “farming styles”, as introduced by Ploeg (1994) is adapted. Five different types of alpine pasture management could be identified. Those types are investigated further on their impacts on natural environments of vegetation- and landscape patterns, taking diversity of plant communities as an indicator. It is figured out that management strategies as a central factor shaping diversity in mountain pastureland shall be considered in the design of agro-environmental policies and in nature conservation.

Management Strategies and Landscape Diversity in Commonly Governed Mountain Pastures: A Case Study from Austrian Alps

Department of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning, Vienna University of Technology; Operngasse 11, 1040 Wien

European Countryside

The paper explores the relationships between alpine pasture management and pastoral landscape ecosystems, based on research set in the Austrian limestone Alps....

Management Strategies and Landscape Diversity in Commonly Governed Mountain Pastures: A Case Study from Austrian Alps

Published Online: Sep 27, 2013

Page range: 212 - 231

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2013-0014

This content is open access.