Study about regeneration dynamics and disturbance Regime in broadleaf forest in north-east Germany

Within the framework of the Waldklimafonds-Project FOMOSY-KK "Development of a Forest Monitoring System in consideration of carbon storage and climate adaptation", the presented subproject TP 4 studies regeneration dynamics and disturbance regimes in broadleaf forest stands of the Rostocker Heide, northern Germany.
This study includes gap-inventories to describe the disturbance regime within different forest stands – three forest types (Oak, Beech, and Birch) with two age classes and two management regimes each. Furthermore, natural regeneration processes are annually studied in logged experimental gaps of three different size classes (real time series). Statistical analysis aim for modelling of forest and carbon dynamics, using linear and generalised mixed models. Furthermore, spatial point-pattern analysis of regeneration processes is performed.
Gap-inventory is based on the transect-line-method (TLM), where canopy gaps (defined by RUNKLE 1982), intersected by parallel transect-lines, are recorded in terms of gap size, orientation, shape, and gap formation (RUNKLE 1992, HUTH & WAGNER 2006). This method provides information about the disturbance regime, i.e. the gap-size frequency distribution and the fraction of land area in gaps, of the studied forest stands.
Observations of natural regeneration processes focus on 24 experimental gaps of different sizes - planed and logged according to findings of the gap inventory - within four managed oak and beech stands. In case of this study, advantages of experimental over natural gaps are obvious: First, it is possible to create gaps of certain size-classes repeatedly and in optimal location. Second, gap ages are clearly determinable and identical. Following, this study annually observes regeneration species, frequencies, and growth characteristics within plots, arranged in a cross-transect-based experimental design. Additionally, project partners will provide data on environmental conditions crucial for regeneration processes, for instance radiation and various soil and climate characteristics.
Interactions between autecology of involved tree species and variations of environmental conditions between gaps of different sizes or gap partitions is of main interest (Gap Partitioning Hypothesis of RICKLEFS 1977). Furthermore, this study observes spatial seed dispersal patterns around mother trees.
Analysis will aim for modelling of regeneration success, based on the influence of factors mentioned above. Consequently, we hope to derive recommendations for mixed forest regeneration management under different climatic conditions. For instance about optimal characteristics of mixed stands (species, densities, distribution and disturbance) regarding most effective regeneration.  
References
HUTH, F. UND WAGNER, S. (2006). Gap structure and establishment of silver birch regeneration (Betula pendula Roth.) in Norway spruce stands (Picea abies L. Karst.). Forest Ecology and Management, 229:314–324.
RICKLEFS, R. E. (1977). Environmental heterogeneity and plant species diversity: A hypothesis. The American Naturalist, 111:376–381.
RUNKLE, J. R. (1982). Patterns of disturbance in some old-growth mesic forests of eastern North America. Ecology, 63:1533–1546.
RUNKLE, J. R. (1992). Guidelines and sample protocol for sampling forest gaps. Technical Report PNW-GTA-283, USDA Forest Service, Paci?c Northwest Research Station.
WAGNER, S.; FISCHER, H. UND HUTH, F. (2010). Canopy effects on vegetation caused by harvesting and regeneration treatments. European Journal of Forest Research, 130:17-40