Ursache-Wirkungs-Beziehungen hinsichtlich funktionaler und morphologischer Humuseigenschaften in Mischbeständen

Cause-effect relations with regard to functional and morphological humus characteristics in mixed forest stands

One of the arguments often brought forward when giving reasons for the admixture of hardwoods into coniferous forest stands is the amelioration and stabilization of nutrient cycles. An ecologically oriented silviculture relies on detailed knowledge about the potential of a specific tree species in combination with a different tree species with respect to changes of topsoil characteristics. This information must be
differentiated by forest site. Up to this day, no data is available concerning the percentages of deciduous species (degree of admixture) or type of admixture (single-tree, small or large groups) required to achieve certain effects (e.g. an amelioration of decomposition). The objective of this study is thus to quantify the impact of admixtures on topsoil conditions and to subsequently model these effects using admixed Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) in stands of pure Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] KARST.) as an example.
The project is implemented by the Dresden University of Technology (Prof. Dr. habil. Karl-Heinz Feger [Chair of Site Ecology and Plant Nutrition] and Prof. Dr. habil. Sven Wagner [Chair of Silviculture]) in cooperation with the state-owned forest enterprise “Sachsenforst” (Department 4: Resource Management, Dr. Dirk-Roger Eisenhauer [Head of Department and Head of Division 41: Silviculture/Game Management] and
Dr. Gerhard Raben [Head of Division 45: Site Surveying/Soil Monitoring/Laboratory]).