Effective spatial modeling and simulation of silviculturally controlled mixed regeneration under changing climate conditions (VERMOS)

In view of the current forest situation and climate forecasts, the question increasingly arises as to which tree species and tree species mixtures are particularly suitable for the adaptation of future forest generations. Studies on the establishment and early development of mixed tree species on sites that are already characterized by low water and nutrient availability under current conditions allow conclusions to be drawn about regional tree species adaptation to climatic changes. The VERMOS project is investigating the above- and below-ground growth of site-adapted and naturally regenerated tree species mixtures along a regional climate gradient in the north-eastern German lowlands. The spatially explicit description of different mixture and competition situations also takes into account the influences of old trees and abiotic environmental factors. The empirically collected data forms the basis of the regeneration module in the individual-based forest simulator. Simulation experiments can be used to create different scenarios and evaluate them from a silvicultural and operational perspective. The final objective of the cooperation project is to derive regional recommendations for action that enable the adaptation of tree species mixtures for future target tree species and take climate forecasts into account. In addition, proposals will be made to supplement previous regeneration inventories.