Mixed-species forests

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the ecology and management of diverse forests, focusing on key questions related to mixed-species stands. It explores scientific concepts for assessing growth, dynamics, and functioning of these forests, examining their generalizability and necessary experimental developments. The text compares mixed-species stands with monocultures regarding productivity, wood quality, and ecological stability under stress and disturbances. It investigates how species mixtures affect ecosystem functioning, influenced by species composition, site conditions, and stand structure. Additionally, it delves into the mechanisms behind over- or underyielding at the forest-stand level, linking tree and organ-level interactions. The book emphasizes integrating current scientific understanding of mixed-species forests into silvicultural practices and forest management planning. It also considers whether the ecological traits of mixed-species stands lead to economic differences compared to monocultures. Furthermore, the text discusses experimental designs and analytical methods for studying mixed-species forests, offering extensive empirical data, general concepts, models, and management strategies. This resource is valuable for students, scientists, educators, and professionals in forest planning and management.