Methodology


During the course of this project, clusters of weeds found both within wheat crops cultivated by participating local farmers and on fallow lands are monitored. Performance of monitoring activities involves, among other activities, collection of seeds belonging to endangered weed species. These seeds are then reproduced and prepared for reintroduction in specially prepared farmstead plots.

Weed presence in a given crop is confirmed yearly through phytosociological records, crop samples and weed species count per 0,5 kg of grain. Additional soil samples are collected in order to establish the frequency of occurence for various weed species in the soil seedbank.

Farmers participating in the project are either in possession of a certificate for ecological agriculture, or are passing through a transitional period, as use of herbicides is forbidden in their farmsteads. They are focused on environmental protection and the preservation of natural qualities found in rural areas.