KomBioTa researchers contribute to VDI guideline for insect-friendly mowing technology [27.11.23]
Prof. Johannes Steidle and Martin Sauter will use species knowledge to ensure the quality of technical innovations to foster biodiversity.
The Association of German Engineers (VDI) aims to develop a guideline that defines the requirements for insect-friendly mowing technology for the maintenance of roadsides. This should enable engineers to develop technical concepts and provide potential buyers, such as local authorities or state-owned companies, with objective criteria for their purchasing decisions.
To achieve this goal, the VDI has formed an advisory board consisting of 18 experts and appointed Prof. Johannes Steidle, board member of the Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa), as the advisory board's chairman. He will be supported by Martin Sauter, member of KomBioTa and PhD-student at the Department for Chemical Ecology, where he studies the question how technical solutions, such as flushing bars in front of the mower to chase away insects or reducted suction force, affect the insect-friendliness of mowing machines.
In addition to biologists, the committee includes further representatives from industry, administration, science and nature conservation. This bundles a broad expertise required for the development of future innovative mowing technology concepts.
The VDI advisory board aims to complete and publish the guideline by the end of 2024. This will be a further contribution to foster biodiversity on roadsides.
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