meadows

A meadow is an open habitat dominated by grasses and herbaceous flowering plants, typically found in temperate regions. Unlike cropped fields, meadows are maintained by regular mowing or grazing and are valued for biodiversity, hay production, and forage.

Meadows vary with moisture and drainage. Dry meadows occur on well-drained soils with low rainfall, while wet meadows form in seasonally saturated soils near watercourses. Alpine meadows lie at high elevations. Traditional management involves mowing and grazing rather than cropping.

Ecologically, meadows host diverse plant communities and provide nectar and forage for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Flowering plants seasonally bloom, supporting pollinators, while grasses influence soil structure and carbon cycling.

Management aims to balance productivity with biodiversity. Historic hay meadows are cut in specific windows and may be grazed afterward. Modern practice uses rotational grazing, late-season mowing, and careful drainage management, sometimes supported by conservation schemes to preserve meadow habitats.

Threats include drainage, conversion to arable land or urban areas, and intensive fertilizer use, which reduce plant diversity and pollinator habitat. Conservation and restoration efforts focus on reestablishing natural disturbance regimes, protecting key sites, and promoting traditional meadow management.