In a new study, scientists concluded that growing a decent green lawn isn’t practical—a variegated grassland chaos is a much more environmental solution.
Grass growing is an immensely popular, age-old tradition. However, the scientists concluded that plain green blankets do not have many advantages: They look extremely beautiful and are suitable for sports, but less conducive to creating the healthiest natural habitat, writes Science Alert.
Firstly, the maintenance of such a lawn bed is expensive, secondly, it requires large financial investments, and thirdly, it is more harmful to the environment. Researchers now believe it’s far better to let nature take control.
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During the study, a team of scientists from King’s College broke a long tradition. As early as 1772, the college’s famous backyard was first landscaped here and has been preserved for centuries. But in 2019, scientists banned mowing nearly half the lawn and then planted a meadow mix of wildflowers there.
Over time, poppies, cornflowers and daisies are placed on the lawn. The researchers examined the grass and concluded that the soccer field-sized patch now feeds on 3.6 times more plants, spiders and insects than nearby grass.
The researchers also found that the biomass of invertebrates living in a meadow is 25 times higher than in a normal grass. What’s more, prairie grass is home to twice as many species that need protection. In 2021, researchers found that the grassland portion of the lawn is home to 4 times more endangered plant species than grass once did.
It is interesting that insects come to the grass for flowers, and with them to other predators. For example, scientists have found that bats now forage in the meadow three times more often than before.
According to Cicely Marshall, a plant ecologist at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study, she and her colleagues originally planted only 33 plant species, but today it is already home to more than fifty other species. In addition, scientists have found that such a lawn with wildflowers does not require much effort: it does not need to be mowed, fertilized, watered or sprayed with pesticides.
The researchers also note that over time, such grasslands can accumulate carbon, reducing potential emissions. Preliminary estimates suggest that such grasslands will help reduce carbon emissions by around 1.36 tonnes per hectare per year. The main reason for this will be a lack of mowing and fertilizer.
It should be noted that this experiment was only conducted on a small area of lawn, but the university administration also conducted a survey showing that Cambridge staff and students prefer a mixed type of grass (grass and meadow). lawns). Some say they find the grass “pretentious” or “vicious and unattractive.” Many found the wildflower meadow more aesthetically pleasing.
Previously Focus He wrote that gardeners were asked to find a common language with slugs.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.