Maaibeheer

Maaibeheer, or meadow management, is the practice of managing grasslands and hay meadows to balance forage production with ecological and landscape values. It covers mowing and harvesting regimes, grazing plans, drainage and soil management, fertilization, and weed control on agricultural fields used for hay or pasture and on semi-natural grasslands in nature reserves.

Key activities include designing mowing schedules that optimize forage yield while allowing flowering plants to set seed; applying rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing; adjusting drainage and soil pH through liming and targeted fertilization; maintaining or restoring diverse plant communities with seed mixes and weed control; monitoring sward composition and adjusting practices seasonally.

Objectives of maaibeheer include reliable forage supply for livestock, soil health, and water regulation, as well as biodiversity enhancement, habitat for pollinators, and landscape quality. The practice involves trade-offs between productivity and conservation, with risks such as soil compaction, nutrient losses, or loss of plant diversity if mowing or grazing is mis-timed.

In the Netherlands and broader Europe, maaibeheer is influenced by agricultural policies and nature protection rules. Subsidies and programs under the Common Agricultural Policy, Natura 2000, and nature-inclusive farming schemes influence incentives and requirements for meadow management.