European Mixed Forests: definition and research perspectives

• DOI: 10.5424/fs/2014233-06256
• Publication Date: 2014-11-28T16:53:46Z
• Authors: Andres Bravo-Oviedo; Hans Pretzsch; Christian Ammer; Ernesto Andenmatten; Anna Barbati; Susana Barreiro; Peter Brang; Felipe Bravo; Lluis Coll; Piermaria Corona; Jan Den Ouden; Mark J. Ducey; David I. Forrester; Marek Giergiczny; Jette B. Jacobsen; Jerzy Lesinski; Magnus Löf; William L. Mason; Bratislav Matovic; Marek Metslaid; François Morneau; Jurga Motiejunaite; Conor O'Reilly; Maciej Pach; Quentin Ponette; Miren Del Rio; Ian Short; Jens Peter Skovsg...; Mario Soliño; Peter Spathelf; Hubert Sterba; Dejan Stojanovic; Katarina Strelcova; Miroslav Svoboda; Kris Verheyen; Nikolas Von Lüpke; Tzvetan Zlatanov
• Keywords: Basal area; Mixed model; Monoculture

Aim of study: We aim at (i) developing a reference definition mixed forests in order to harmonize comparative research and (ii) review the perspectives forests.Area The is developed Europe but can be tested worldwide.Material Methods: Review existent definitions based literature encompassing dynamics, management economic valuation forests.Main results: A forest defined as unit, excluding linear formations, where least two tree species coexist any developmental stage, sharing common resources (light, water, and/or soil nutrients). presence each component normally quantified proportion number stems or basal area, although volume, biomass canopy cover well proportions by occupied stand area may used for specific objectives. variety structures patterns mixtures occur, interactions between their relative change over time.The identified are responses hazards, concept maximum density forests, (iii) conversion monocultures mixed-species (iv) ecosystem services provided forests.Research highlights: considered high-level one which encompasses previous attempts define forests. Current fields indicate that gradient studies, experimental design approaches, model simulations key topics providing new opportunities.Keywords: COST Action; EuMIXFOR; forests; admixtures species.