Mixed-Species Forests

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the ecology and management of diverse forests. It addresses key questions regarding the scientific concepts used to evaluate the growth, dynamics, and functioning of mixed-species forests, their generalizability, and the necessary experiments for further development. The text compares mixed-species stands with monocultures in terms of productivity, wood quality, and ecological stability under stress and disturbances. It explores how species mixtures affect ecosystem functioning, influenced by species composition, site conditions, and stand structure. Additionally, it examines the emergence of over- or underyielding at the forest-stand level from tree and organ levels, highlighting the mechanisms behind mixing effects. The book also discusses how current scientific insights can be integrated into silvicultural practices and forest management planning, and whether the ecological traits of mixed-species stands lead to economic differences compared to monocultures. Furthermore, it covers 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.