However, the path from concern to action and countermeasures is often very
long. The Saarpfalz district with district administrator Theophil Gallo focuses
on short ways and unbureaucratic solutions. For example, the area of "Rural
Areas and Land Management" in the district administration has for years been
promoting the cultivation of flower fields in agriculture and, since last year,
also in the local areas.
The idea of farmer Walter Hirsch from Limbach, to invest in a novel
direct sowing machine, therefore met with open ears in the Saarpfalz district.
With this machine can directly into an existing catch crop, such. B. an
insect-friendly flowering area, are sown. The measure was supported as part of
the agricultural promotion of the district.
District Administrator Gallo inquired with Torsten Czech, head of regional
development at the Saarpfalz district, about the functioning of the machine and
the working results of no-till on a seven hectare flowering area between Limbach
and Kirkel-Neuhäusel. The no-till machine opens a furrow in the soil and sows
the flowering seed directly without any additional tillage. Farmer Hirsch, who
is constantly exchanging information on the latest developments in the field of
agriculture and land use at international level, informed that he is sowing a
mixture of sunflower, phacelia and a wind plant. But not only theory, but also
practice was announced, as Hirsch demonstrated his direct sowing machine
escorted by two storks in the use of the seedling in a meadow near the goose
pond.
The district administrator emphasized: "It is our goal that more of such
flowering areas emerge in a circle, thus making an important contribution to
biodiversity. I am therefore convinced that our money here is very well
invested. "Torsten Czech referred to the additional benefits of planting
flowering areas as a catch crop. So the soil structure is improved and erosion
protection operated. Last but not least, the use of the controversial glyphosate
can largely be dispensed with. Walter Hirsch praised the commitment of the
Saarpfalz district for agriculture and wished well for the future a good
cooperation. District Administrator Gallo emphasized the important role of
farmers in society, the cultural landscape and the biosphere reserve and would
therefore continue to work for their interests.
