𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒛𝒖𝒓 𝒛𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒘ä𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒈
Originally, the Wadrill stream floodplain was covered with beech and alder forests, which were probably cleared as early as the 12th century. The flat, cleared areas were used as agricultural meadows for more than 600 years. To improve hay harvest and grass growth, these valley meadows were artificially irrigated via ditches. By damming the Wadrill with the help of weirs in April and July/August, the meadows were briefly submerged for about two days via supply channels and then drained again through channels and ditches. The aim was to prevent the meadows from becoming swampy and the stream from drying out. During this time, the water can penetrate into every pore and provide the meadows with plenty of water for the summer when they would otherwise be dry. The stream water, with its particularly high mineral content, also served as a natural fertilizer, allowing mowing twice a year. With the development of artificial fertilizers in the 1950s, this form of grassland use declined considerably in importance and was completely discontinued in the Wadtrill Valley. Source: Text on the information board