Perennial trial plot: Greater floral diversity on difficult ground

Can a heavily compacted and nutrient-poor area still be enhanced in ecological and aesthetic terms? A new project by the StuRa’s Sustainability Working Group is exploring this question on the campus of the TU Ilmenau.

The area opposite the Staudinger building poses particular challenges for planting: the soil is heavily compacted and nutrient-poor. At the same time, the area cannot be fundamentally redesigned, as heavy vehicles must still be able to access the adjacent buildings at any time. Achieving permanent greening is therefore a particular challenge.

As part of a planting initiative, the Sustainability Working Group has planted 15 different species of perennials in the area. Perennials are plants that live for several years, the above-ground parts of which usually die back after the growing season. In spring, they sprout anew from their roots. The species planted on the trial plot reach heights of between approximately 5 and 80 centimetres and feature a variety of flowers and growth habits.

During the first few months of summer, the plants were watered regularly by members of the Sustainability Working Group. The aim now is to observe whether the perennials can become permanently established on the difficult ground and which of the 15 species cope particularly well with the conditions.

This makes the area a small-scale field trial: the results may show whether even sites with difficult soil conditions can be made more diverse and attractive using relatively simple methods.

As well as creating a more attractive landscape, the perennial area can also offer ecological benefits: the variety of flowers provides an additional food source for insects, whilst the perennial planting ensures year-round greenery and creates new structures and hiding places for small animals on campus.

The project was funded entirely by private donations.