Search

Utilization of natural beech regeneration as a part of the forest conversion is an interesting alternative to cost-intensive planting. The range of effective dispersal of beech regeneration is of interest for the spatial assessment of regeneration potential. Aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the distance to the nearest potential seed source on the potential regeneration density and to illustrate the influence of vectors on secondary seed dispersal. Regeneration potential is a new method for deriving functions for the effective dispersal of natural beech regeneration. Based on inventory data from the permanent sample inventory in the Saxonian state forest, the regeneration potential was determined as the maximum possible regeneration density at a given distance to nearest potential seed source (Figure 2). To determine distance to next potential seed source both stand-wise inventory data (Table 3) and remote sensing data (Figure 5), containing the location of beech and beech stands, were used and results compared (Figure 6). After data selection a negative exponential function was adjusted. The investigation showed that the distance to the next potential seed tree is a very important factor for the potential regeneration density. The study highlights that highest regeneration densities are near the old beeches (Figure 7). With increasing distance to the next potential seed tree, regeneration density decreases sharply. In the present study dispersal distances up to 700 m were found. No beech regeneration was found at 800 to 3800 m. The results indicate that beech nuts are brought from the mother tree and, in addition to barochory, zoochorus seed dispersal is of great importance in the succession of coniferous stands. Therefore, the position of seed trees is an important information for silvicultural planning to estimate potential regeneration densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potentially decreasing climatic suitability of today's main tree species in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany (Figure 1) is urgently necessitating the search for alternative tree species. Due to the high number of criteria to be considered in this search we selected the multicriteria analysis to systematically rank the candidate species. 25 tree species comprising domestic secondary as well as European and Non-European species (Table 1) were subjected to a systematic literature review focusing for each species on 35 criteria especially relevant under climate change (Table 2). During the text analysis (Figure 2) all criteria were assessed for each species on a scale from good (1) to poor (5) rating (Table 3) and then summarized into preliminary mean values for the five so-called target systems cultivation, yield, wood utilization, ecosystem services and risks. Assuming potentially different preferences of decisionmakers (Table 4) these five mean values per species were then aggregated to one single suitability value per species, either equally weighted or with a special weight for one of the target systems. Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) qualified as the most promising alternative tree species followed by sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), Silver birch (Betula pendula) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) (Table 6). Furthermore, the next species in the ranking are Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi), Black pine (Pinus nigra) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), which still had good overall suitability but were only ranked this highly when yield criteria were given extra weight. Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) ranked similarly to these species, if risk criteria were weighted strongly. The presented concept may be used to rank a high number of tree species according to a high number of suitability criteria in a systematic, transparent and flexible way. However, since the underlying information is merely literature-based, further analyses appear essential before recommending climate-suitable species. Firstly, the list of considered species must be extended to allow better comparisons. Moreover, the best-ranking species presented in this study should be tested for large-scale climatic niche suitability with species distribution models. And in a last step, experimental plantations should provide cultivation experiences especially under the most sensitive site conditions, before recommending large area forest conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the program of Association of German Forest nurseries (VDF) on the occasion of the nursery technology and possible strategies for to discuss forest conversion and need to develop mixed forest.

The article reports that Federal Minister of Agriculture Julia Klöckner met with Helmut Selders, President of the Association of German Tree Nurseries (BdB) on August 29, 2021 on future forest conversion must be closely interlinked from plant producers and forest owners.

The article focuses on the European holly (Ilex aquifolium) developed by the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation proclaimed "Tree of the Year 2021". It mentions views of Stefan Meier, President of the Foundation on the goal of foundation is advancing the conversion of forests into climate-adapted mixed forests.