Forest diversity
Project Title: BEST Subproject IO-H2
- Funding: DFG (Core project to the Biodiversity Exploratories)
- Duration: 2011-2014
- Link: Biodiversity Exploratories
- Coordination: Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleinn
- Project researcher: Dr. Rainer Schulz and Dr. Paul Magdon
- Study sites: Biodiversity Exploratories
Background
Based on a coherent network of sample plots distributed over the total forest area of the Biodiversity Exploratories forest variables as well as diversity indicators are assessed to estimate those target variables at landscape level.
Extension of the monitoring concept using a systematic grid of sample plots
To statistically ensure conclusions on the effects of different forest management intensities on biodiversity of forests on the scale level of the Exploratories the existing forest inventory concept is extended. The starting point in that context represents the implementation of a long-term sampling-, plot- and estimation design allowing to address the variability of estimated parameters as well as the estimation accuracy. Forest mensurational variables, indicators of structure and biodiversity, and variables addressing quantity and quality of regeneration and dead wood are assessed. The systematic inventory design on the total forest area of the Exploratories offers the possibility for repeated assessments of the variables and by this allows for a continued estimation of forest diversity development at landscape level.
Regionalization
The regionalization of essential indicator variables for forest biodiversity is realized based on the data of the systematic inventory. Target variables in that context are e.g. tree species, stand density and above-ground biomass. Remote sensing data (digital aerial photographs, RapidEye satellite images) play a central role in the derivation of area-wide estimations in form of maps of important biodiversity variables. The regionalization provides information that also enables other projects to better explain relationships between management types (and intensities) and forest diversity.
Project Goals
- to make regional assessments of biomass, tree diversity and management as one main basis for selection of the experimental plots
- to inventory the selected experimental plots with respect to tree and species distribution
