Unit
Forest Growth
The Unit studies forest growth based on the results of permanent monitoring plots for the development of stand and tree growth models as well as for stand management concepts. By means of dendrochronological analyses, the development of single trees growth is investigated.
In addition, practice oriented treatment concepts are developed in line with ecological and economic targets. Research results are translated into practice by means of workshops and field trips and through providing advisory services.
Priority Areas of Work
- Monitoring of forest growth as a criteria of sustainability
- Forest growth models
- Studies on the impact of various stand treatment scenarios on growth, stand stability and economy
- Forest growth related and economically optimised methods for natural regeneration
- Analysis of climate-induced changes in forest growth
- Dendrochronological measurements and analyses of tree ring development and stem analyses
- Knowledge transfer and practice-oriented advisory services
Tasks and Activities
- Design, implementation and maintenance of forest growth related long-term experiments and permanent observation plots
- Periodic surveys on permanent monitoring plots, interpretation and representation of the results thereof
- Preparation of long-term increment data for single trees as a basis for parameterisation, validation and further development of forest growth models
- Decision support for forest management in line with ecological and economic goals
- Operation of tree ring measurement systems (digital positiometer “Johann”)
- Establishment of a dendrochronological database
- Dendrochronological investigations and related expert opinions (e.g. radial increment curve, age determination, harvest timing)
- Practice-oriented workshops and field trips (e.g. for planting distance, stem number reduction, thinning, tree species selection) as well as specific advisory services provided to forest practice.