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Silver fir and Douglas-fir as substitutes for Norway spruce: a comparative study on resilience and resistance of growth

concluded 2018/01

Summary

  

Owing to its fast growth and high economic value, Norway spruce (Picea abies) has been planted throughout Western Europe far beyond its natural range. In many locations it will likely not endure the changing climatic conditions due to an increasing frequency of droughts. Extreme weather conditions may severely impact its vigor, increase its susceptibility to bark beetle attacks and increase mortality. To maintain ecosystem stability and to sustain the provision of a softwood resource from these forests, Norway spruce may be replace by silver fir (Abies alba) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). In this study, we analyze the growth resilience and resistance of all three species along an altitudinal gradient. The study sites cover a wide range of climatic conditions from warm sites in the Rhine valley to perhumid conditions in the montane zone of the Black Forest. The effect of inter-species competition will also be considered to assess possible complementarity effects. The study aims to provide important information for the choice of alternative conifer species under different environmental conditions and to guide decision.

 

Supervisor:Prof. Dr. Jürgen Bauhus
Researcher:Valentina Vitali
Funding:Ministerium für Umwelt, Klima und Energiewirtschaft Baden-Württemberg
Duration:01.12.2014 – 31.07.2016

 

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