The Project

The Project

The Sumforest – ForRISK project aims at examining the interacting effects of drought and tree population density on plasticity and resilience of tree growth, and ecophysiological mechanisms, both at the tree- and population-level. The outcomes of this empirically based research will be integrated into a risk assessment that combines ecophysiological, stand-scale and economic modelling, thus providing a powerful framework for adapting forest ecosystems in central Europe to increased drought intensity. Based on the expected results, management options will be elaborated, and adaptation of guidelines discussed with the local stakeholders. The project is structured in three work packages (WP):

  • WP1. Analysis of long-term growth trends and drought vulnerability of forests in relation to specific values of tree population density.
  • WP2. Investigation of the ecophysiological mechanisms during and after extreme drought in relation to tree population density of Norway spruce and silver fir stands.
  • WP3. Risk assessment, economic evaluation and development of optimized management strategies to adapt Norway spruce and silver fir forests to extreme drought events.

  

Figure 1. Spatial extent and time scale of the project.

Figure 2. Location of project study sites in southwestern Germany and Switzerland.