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In the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl, the reed harvest started later than usual this year due to the weather. The mild winter temperatures delayed the start this year. Nevertheless, the pruning season, which lasts until mid-March, is viewed quite positively.
While the historically low water level of Lake Neusiedl worries tourists and water sports enthusiasts alike, it hardly plays a role for reed cutters. With their tracked vehicles, most of them are not dependent on water or ice.
Lack of frost affects Sedge Harvest
The season is relatively good, it was only possible to start a little later than usual because the leaves had not come loose from the reeds. This is due to the fact that there was no frost, according to Schilfschneider Erwin Sumalowitsch from Podersdorf. According to him, the conditions are currently ideal.
In addition to the mild winter, the drought is also having an impact on the harvest. The reed is therefore shorter than usual. But that is not a problem. This has little impact on the generally good quality.
Inflation also affects sedge harvest
Despite the constant order situation, this industry is also feeling the effects of ongoing price increases. Agriculture is well supported by subsidies, but the reed cutters are exempt. Due to the rising prices, it is not possible to harvest as much reed as in previous years, says Sumalovich.
However, more reed cutting would also be important for nature. Because in order to be able to sustainably preserve the 180 square kilometer reed belt, and thus more than half of the lake, as a habitat, it must also be managed and cared for accordingly.
