Airports go beyond being mere transportation hubs; they are outdoor environments that form complex ecosystems. Choosing and maintaining the appropriate plant species, or flora, within and around airports can have more significant impacts than you may think. The flora in these areas can significantly influence aerodrome safety.
How could flora effect something as big and serious as aerodrome safety you may ask?
Beyond aesthetics, the types of plants chosen can affect various aspects of airport operations, including wildlife management and risk reduction. One of the most significant safety concerns in aviation is bird strikes, which occur when birds collide with aircraft during take-off or landing. These incidents pose serious risks to both passengers and aircraft, often resulting in costly damages and potential loss of life.
Type of Flora Species Planted:
The selection of vegetation in airfields requires a level of meticulous planning that might be underestimated by many. This process goes beyond merely choosing plants that are aesthetically pleasing to the public. The chosen vegetation must also be relatively inflammable, capable of withstanding vehicle traffic, drought-resistant, and require minimal maintenance to ensure long-term persistence.
The types of plants chosen can significantly influence the presence of birds and other wildlife. Certain plant species, especially tall trees and dense shrubbery, provide ideal roosting and nesting sites for birds. A single tall, dense tree can support an entire ecosystem, attracting various species of nesting birds.
Large birds of prey, such as eagles and kites, pose a significant threat to aircraft if ingested because of their large sizes. These birds prefer nesting in large trees, especially those overlooking meadows or grassy areas, such as the grassy zones surrounding airport runways, where they can easily find food to feed their young.
Furthermore, dense trees and shrubbery offer cover for small mammals, which in turn attract birds of prey. This creates a cycle where the vegetation not only provides habitat for birds but also indirectly supports a food source for larger predatory birds. As a result, careful consideration must be given to the types of vegetation planted on airfields to mitigate these risks.
The Planting and Pruning of Trees:
Trees are not necessarily always bad to plant near airports. While trees can indeed be attractants for wildlife, it is still beneficial to plant trees around an airport, choosing species that are less attractive to wildlife. Despite the potential wildlife attraction, trees play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and reducing water ponding. Excess water accumulation, or ponding, around airports can inadvertently attract animals and birds. Strategically planting trees that are less attractive to wildlife helps mitigate this risk while still providing the soil stabilization and water management benefits that trees offer.
Airports benefit from planting managed vegetation, including low-growing plants and regularly pruned trees. Pruning trees by removing dense foliage and reducing tree height significantly diminishes the attractiveness of these trees to birds looking for roosting and nesting sites. This is essential because trees with thick canopies and substantial height provide ideal habitats for various bird species.
Regularly pruning trees at airports ensures that vegetation stays within safe and manageable limits. Additionally, well-pruned trees are less likely to suffer from diseases and pest infestations, which can weaken the trees and create debris hazards. Healthy, well-maintained trees contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the airfield, enhancing the environment without compromising safety.
Strategic flora selection can create favourable conditions for wildlife around airports. Fruiting or flowering trees have the potential to attract various species of fruit-eating birds such as parakeets and starlings, as well as the worlds only flying mammals, bats. Fruiting or flowering trees can attract even the smallest of species, insects. It's important to note that many bird species are insectivores, meaning they primarily feed on insects. Therefore, trees that attract insects inadvertently attract these insect-eating birds as well. Selecting plants that do not produce fruits or seeds attractive to birds can further reduce the presence of wildlife near runways. Certain plant species produce odours, textures, or tastes that are unappealing to birds and other animals. By incorporating these deterrents into airport landscapes, operators can discourage wildlife from loitering in airport areas.
Maintaining Grass Heights:
Grass is flora too! Effective grass management is another crucial aspect of flora impacting aerodrome safety. Most airports worldwide keep their grass height between 15-25cm. This is a good rule of thumb when maintaining grass within an airport. If the grass height is too short, it provides easy access to insects and worms, which are a primary food source for many bird species. Birds can spot and catch insects more easily in too short of grass. Also, the likelihood of soil erosion and potential compromise to the structural integrity of runways and taxiways is increased. If the grass height is too high, it provides ample cover and shelter for various species of wildlife, including birds, rodents, and small mammals. This increased vegetation height mimics natural habitats, making the airport surroundings more attractive to wildlife seeking refuge.
Maintaining grass within the 15-25cm range might seem straightforward, but considering the vast size of airports, it becomes imperative to establish comprehensive grass management initiatives. These initiatives necessitate rigorous efforts, including regular mowing, to ensure that grass height remains at a level discouraging wildlife habitation. Such programmes often entail scheduled cutting in designated zones and may also involve ad-hoc mowing in areas experiencing rapid growth. Additionally, herbicides and plant growth regulators might also be applied to actively control vegetation. The use of herbicides allows managers to alter the vegetative composition of the airfield by removing or favouring certain types of plants, thereby reducing wildlife attractants and enhancing aerodrome safety.
When planting flora around an airport, consulting with local wildlife regulatory organisations and adhering to invasive species regulations ensures environmentally responsible choices. Effective flora selection requires collaboration among airport authorities, horticulturists, ecologists, and aviation experts. This integration enhances passenger experience and ensures safety. Thoughtful flora selection and maintenance also support wildlife management strategies by creating environments less conducive to bird habitation, complementing existing safety measures. As aviation evolves, integrating ecological considerations into airport design is vital for safe and sustainable air travel.
Comments