Category: News

On 23–26 September 2025, representatives of our team – Dr. Anna Markowicz and Dr. Sławomir Sułowicz – took part in the 8th International Conference on Microbial Diversity in Rome. Organized by SIMTREA (Italian Society for Agricultural Food and Environmental Microbiology) and hosted at Sapienza University, the conference brought together researchers from around the world to discuss how microorganisms shape our environment. We brought with us the story of… roadside lawns.

Our contributions included an oral presentation of the results entitled ”Impact of mowing frequency on soil microbial diversity of urban roadside lawns” and a poster presentation ”Functional potential of soil microbial communities in urban lawns under mowing and pollution pressure.”

Although we usually think of lawns as simple strips of greenery, they are in fact an important part of the urban ecosystem. They host millions of microorganisms – bacteria and fungi – which drive nutrient cycles and help cleanse soil of toxins. Within the ToBeLawn project, we investigated how mowing frequency and proximity to streets affect these invisible communities. Our study sites were located in Katowice and Cracow, where lawns were managed under three mowing regimes: frequent (6 times per season), moderate (3 times), and rare (once). Samples were collected both directly next to streets and at more distant, less polluted plots.

What did we find?

The key conclusion is that it is not the lawnmower but rather car emissions and road-derived pollution that most strongly shape the soil microbiome. In samples collected near streets, we detected numerous microbes capable of degrading toxic compounds such as toluene or styrene, as well as microorganisms resistant to heavy metals. In other words, the soil defends itself against urban pollution with the help of microscopic allies. Mowing frequency played a smaller, though still noticeable role. Rare mowing turned out to be most beneficial for soil, supporting stable processes of growth and nutrient cycling. Moderate mowing helped microorganisms cope with environmental stress. Frequent mowing, by contrast, provided no advantages – and in some cases even suppressed important microbial functions.

Green conclusions for cities

Our results show that urban greenery management should go hand in hand with care for soil health. If we want roadside lawns not only to look neat but also to support clean air and soil, we should avoid excessive mowing and adapt mowing practices to local conditions. The ToBeLawn project highlights that even something as ordinary as mowing a lawn has consequences in the microbial world – and the condition of that micro-world directly affects the health of the entire urban ecosystem.

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From 8 to 12 September, 2025, the VII EUROSOIL Conference (VII EUROSOIL 2025 & X Congreso Ibérico de la Ciencia del Suelo) took place in Seville, Spain. This event is organized every 4 years by the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies and covers a wide spectrum of soil-related issues from the areas of science, industry and society. Over 1,000 participants from around the world attended the conference. Research results were presented in the form of oral presentations and posters within several general topics, including soil biogeochemistry and global change, soil biology and microbiology, soil hydrology and erosion, soil-plant-water interactions, soil carbon stabilization and dynamics, soil degradation, desertification, and pollution.

The ToBeLawn team, represented by Prof. Anna Stefanowicz and Dr. Paweł Kapusta, showed preliminary research results from the project were in the form of posters under the theme “Land Fragmentation, Urban and Anthropogenic Soils.” The results concerned the influence of the frequency of mowing roadside lawns, road pollution and season on the physicochemical properties of the soil and parameters describing the condition and functioning of soil microorganism communities.

We encourage you to download the posters as PDF files:

• Mowing frequency and traffic pollution affect soil microbial communities of urban roadside lawns
• The effects of mowing frequency, proximity to the road, and season on the physicochemical properties of urban roadside lawn soils

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As part of the ToBeLawn project, advanced research is being conducted on the impact of mowing on the diversity and functioning of soil microorganisms, which will allow for the assessment of how greenery management affects soil health. Currently, detailed analyses of microbial communities are in progress, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Modern gene marker sequencing techniques are being used – 16S rRNA (for prokaryotes) and the ITS region (for fungi). These methods allow precise identification of the species composition of the soil microbiome and help detect changes in its structure depending on mowing intensity and environmental pollution (e.g., road salt, heavy metals, petroleum-derived substances).

Why are soil microorganisms so important?

Although invisible to the naked eye, microorganisms form the foundation of soil ecosystems. They are responsible for:

• decomposing organic matter,
• forming humus,
• cycling nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus),
• improving soil structure and water retention,
• protecting plants from pathogens,
• supporting plant growth and resilience to environmental stress, such as drought.

Sensitive biosensors of environmental change

Microorganisms are also extremely sensitive bioindicators of environmental changes. They respond rapidly to various forms of stress – from pollution to moisture fluctuations or disruptions in the supply of organic matter. Even small disturbances, such as frequent mowing or heavy traffic, can alter their composition and activity. For this reason, the soil microbiome enables scientists to closely monitor environmental conditions and predict future changes. Observing its diversity and function is key to understanding the health of the entire urban ecosystem.

Urban greenery from a microbiological perspective

The conclusions drawn from this research may contribute to developing more sustainable urban green space management strategies, which will not only enhance the visual appeal of public areas but, more importantly, support soil health and the resilience of urban ecosystems to climate change. Lawns that are mowed less frequently and transformed into wildflower meadows can play an important environmental role – increasing biodiversity and supporting ecosystem services such as air purification, water retention, and reducing urban heat islands.

Do you have a “wild” zone in your garden?

Share it and inspire others – join and let nature return to the city with us!

How to take part in the contest?

1. Take a photo of your “wild” zone – it can be an unmowed part of the garden, a meadow strip, a natural flower bed full of flowers, or a green insect sanctuary.
2. Tag the photo with #ŁąkaNaLuzie and share it on your social media.
3. Send your photo to the following e-mail address: ToBeLawn@botany.pl by 30th September 2025.

We will publish the most interesting photos on our ToBeLawn website, and reward their authors with small prizes.

This is a great opportunity to show off your green space and inspire others to take action.

Show that nature is close to your heart! Let’s create a more diverse, friendly, and vibrant spaces together – not only for people, but also for the wide range of organisms that make up local biodiversity and support the functioning of urban ecosystems.

Tag your photo #ŁąkaNaLuzie and join our green community.

Let’s bring nature back to the city – together!

For many people, mowing is simply taking care of a garden or public space. Meanwhile, from the plants’ point of view, it causes major stress. When we cut plants, they lose their leaves – the main surface for photosynthesis, and therefore energy production. Thus, regeneration of above-ground parts, rather than root development or flower production, becomes their priority. This weakens their condition, reduces the ability to take up water and nutrients, and decreases resistance to adverse conditions, such as drought.

It is also worth pointing out that frequent mowing prevents plants from flowering. Flower buds are cut off before they have time to develop, which means that many plant species don’t have a chance to produce seeds. Their life cycle is therefore interrupted and the diversity of plants on the lawn decreases. Species, such as ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), field pansy (Viola arvensis) or spreading bellflower (Campanula patula) are all sensitive to such treatment. All of them perform an important function in the ecosystem by providing food for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

If there are no flowering plants on the lawn, insects lose their food source. Fewer insects mean less pollination, which influences not only the local vegetation but also the entire food chain, from small birds to larger mammals. While a lawn that is mowed too often may look neat, it becomes biologically poor and less environmentally friendly.

Frequency of mowing is of paramount importance. Only a few, hardly, mostly grass species, such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and red fescue (Festuca rubra), among which there may be common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), daisy (Bellis perennis), or white clover (Trifolium repens) favor lawns mowed on a weekly basis. In contrast, less frequent mowing – two or three times a season – lets more species bloom. As a result, biodiversity increases, and the lawns become much more friendly to insects, birds, and other organisms.

Moreover, taller vegetation is better at protecting the soil from drying out, it reduces water evaporation, and improves the microclimate. Lawns that are not mowed too often require less watering, fertilization, and labor. This is a win-win solution for both the environment and ourselves.

Instead of fighting nature, it’s worth getting along with it. How about leaving a section of your garden unkempt? Let the plants bloom and let nature work at its own pace. Even the smallest change can make a real difference for biodiversity, climate, and our closest surroundings.

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At first glance, lawns are just plants and green spaces – often treated as purely aesthetic environmental features. But what happens under the soil surface determines the quality and sustainability of the entire lawn ecosystem, where soil microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, nematodes, actinomycetes, and many other invisible soil inhabitants – play a key role.

How does mowing affect soil life?

Frequent mowing reduces biomass that can be converted into humus – the main food source for microorganisms. A low, frequently cut lawn produces fewer roots and a limited amount of organic residue, which causes depletion of the soil’s microbial structure.

On the other hand, due to less frequent mowing (e.g., only 1-2 times a season) plants produce more above- and below-ground biomass, bloom, and produce seeds. Therefore, more organic matter goes into the soil, providing valuable food for microorganisms. As a result, it increases:

• the biodiversity of the soil microbiome,
• the soil enzymatic activity,
• the cycling of elements (e.g. carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus),
• and the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients.

Why does it matter?

Soil microorganisms are the invisible scaffolding for the entire green ecosystem of the urban areas. They are responsible for:

• the decomposition of plant residues,
• the formation of humus,
• the protection of plants from pathogens,
• and even the improvement of their growth and drought resistance.

Destruction of this community (for example, by mowing and compacting the soil too often) causes a domino effect: soil fertility decreases, plants become weaker, and the lawn loses its resilience, requiring more frequent maintenance (fertilizing, watering, reseeding).

What does it mean for cities?

Reducing the mowing frequency in selected areas of cities can be a low-cost way to improve soil health and develop more sustainable urban greenery. This is not only good for nature, but also for city budgets and the overall quality of life.

From a scientific point of view, it is a healthy, microbiologically active soil that should be the foundation for greenery planning, not just its aesthetics.

Last Monday, November 18, 2024, the ToBeLawn team conducted an online workshop titled “Less is more: A lesson plan on mowing urban lawns for students”. The workshop was designed for teachers of grades 1–8, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of sustainable resource use and eager to share this knowledge with young learners.

The workshop was divided into two parts: theoretical and practical. During the theoretical part, participants had the opportunity to listen to three brief presentations on: 1) contemporary urban ecology challenges, with a focus on dilemmas related to managing urban greenery (including regular lawn mowing), 2) the goals and initial results of the ToBeLawn project, and 3) the lesson plan for students developed by ToBeLawn. In the practical part, participants worked in small groups to refine specific elements of the proposed lesson plan. They contributed ideas on how to make the topic of biodiversity protection engaging and accessible for young learners.

We sincerely thank all participants for joining the workshop and collaborating on the lesson plan!

On October 8, 2024, the lecture entitled “Towards better management of urban greenery – the impact of mowing on the ecosystem of roadside lawns”, the last one within the Botanists for Krakowians* Krakowian project, took place. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Małgorzata Stanek and Prof. Anna Stefanowicz, who outlined the theoretical background and then presented the results of research carried out as part of the ToBeLawn project. The speakers presented how various mowing practices affect biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The lecture’s participants had the opportunity to learn that even small changes in mowing practices can significantly improve the condition and natural value of urban greenery and, thus, the entire urban environment.

The lecture, delivered in a hybrid mode (for in-person and online participants), proved to be very popular. The audience liked the topics and the results of the research, as confirmed by the long and interesting discussion that took place at the end of the meeting. It involved such issues as optimal mowing frequency, the advantages and disadvantages of reduced mowing frequency, and the challenges of implementing new management practices.

We would like to thank all participants for their attendance and taking part in the discussion!

* Botanists for Krakowians is a two-year educational project run by the W. Szafer Institute of Botany of the Polish Academy of Sciences, aimed at popularizing botany among the residents of the city of Kraków. It is meant to raise awareness, promote the protection of biodiversity, and integrate the local community interested in the natural environment. The project includes lectures, workshops, and field trips on urban vegetation, environmental protection, and the importance of botanical collections. These activities are intended to inspire residents to discover the beauty of plants and actively engage in the protection of urban greenery. For more information, please visit the project website.

On September 19, the employees of municipalities affiliated with the Kraków Metropolitan Area Association gathered for one of their regular meetings called the Climate Forum. The event, aimed at developing strategies for adaptation and mitigation of climate change, provided valuable insights, inspiration, and practical solutions for local authorities striving for climate neutrality.

A lecture presenting the preliminary research results of the ToBeLawn project was one of the main points of the meeting. It was met with sincere interest and a lot of positive feedback from the participants. This indicates that the demand for knowledge and scientific support in the field of climate change adaptation among Kraków municipalities is constantly growing. Their representatives also expressed a desire for further cooperation with the Institute of Botany of the Polish Academy of Sciences and its specialists.

The Climate Forum was also an opportunity to learn about other initiatives supporting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions at the local level: including an educational board game about climate challenges and a project to create metropolitan rain gardens, as part of the INTERLACE program. Topics related to rainwater management and the implementation of metropolitan retention standards were also discussed.

We were delighted by the warm reception of our research results and numerous inquiries about further activities within the ToBeLawn project. We would also like to encourage other municipalities to engage in the Climate Forum initiatives and continue to collaborate in pursuit of the goals of the Climate Strategy of the Kraków Metropolis for 2024–2030 and the Integrated Territorial Investment Strategy for 2021–2027.

For more information about the Climate Strategy and the Integrated Territorial Investment Strategy visit the Kraków Metropolis Association’s website (Climate Strategy of the Kraków Metropolis, ITI Strategy).

In May and June 2024, we organized an educational workshop “The world around us – become an explorer of biodiversity in your city. Take care of your environment and act!”, for the second time. The workshop was a series of five meetings, during which the participants —school children and their teachers — took part in a variety of laboratory and field activities. Pupils from Biskupice Elementary School learned how to distinguish between meadows and city lawns. During the field activities, they turned out to be efficient insect hunters and keen observers. Students from Nielepice enjoyed the quest to find and learn about the small inhabitants of meadows, while our guests from Elementary School No. 2 in Niepołomice as well as from the Elementary School in Rzeszotary, explored the world of living creatures under their feet. They were fascinated by earthworms and other soil organisms observed under the microscope. We were surprised at how well they coped with the complex topics presented, such as the effect of mycorrhiza on plant growth and diversity, and the impact of mowing intensity on the soil. The weather was excellent, and there was plenty of time to play in the garden and admire the beautiful flower meadow, which was particularly lush this year.

Huge thanks to all the participants!

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