Forest Diversity And Function

by Scherer-Lorenzen, M.; Korner, Ch; Schulze, E. D.; Korner, Christian

• ISBN13: 9783540221913
• ISBN10: 3540221913
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-01-15
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

One of the central research themes in ecology is evaluating the extent to which biological richness is necessary to sustain the Earth's system and the functioning of individual ecosystems. In this volume, for the first time, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem processes in forests is thoroughly explored. The text examines the multiple effects of tree diversity on productivity and growth, biogeochemical cycles, animals, pests, and disturbances. Further, the importance of diversity at different scales, ranging from stand management to global issues, is considered. The authors provide both extensive reviews of the existing literature and own datasets. The volume is ideally suited for researchers and practitioners involved in ecosystem management and the sustainable use of forest resources.

Table of Contents

Part A Introduction
The Functional Significance of Forest Diversity: The Starting Point	3	(10)
M. Scherer-Lorenzen
Ch. Korner
E.-D. Schulze
Introduction	3	(1)
Applying a New Ecological Framework	3	(2)
The Road from Weidenberg to Weimar	5	(2)
Aims and Topics	7	(6)
References	9	(4)
An Introduction to the Functional Diversity of Temperate Forest Trees	13	(28)
Ch. Korner
Introduction	13	(4)
Successional Stage	17	(1)
Variation in Gas Exchange Capacity and Associated Leaf Traits	18	(4)
Tree Stature, Crowns, and Roots	22	(4)
Growth and Reproduction	26	(3)
Species Specific Responses to Global Environmental Change	29	(3)
Outlook	32	(9)
References	33	(8)
Part B Productivity and Growth
Diversity and Productivity in Forests: Evidence from Long-Term Experimental Plots	41	(24)
H. Pretzsch
Introduction	41	(2)
Theoretical Considerations	43	(5)
Empirical Considerations	48	(9)
Discussion and Conclusions	57	(8)
References	61	(4)
Confounding Factors in the Observed Productivity-Diversity Relationship in Forests	65	(22)
M. Vila
P. Inchausti
J. Vayreda
O. Barrantes
C. Gracia
J.J. Ibanez
T. Mata
Introduction	65	(3)
Covariant Factors Determining the Forest Diversity-Productivity Relationship	68	(3)
The Ecological and Forest Inventory of Catalonia (IEFC)	71	(10)
Discussion	81	(2)
Conclusions	83	(4)
References	83	(4)
Genetic Diversity Parameters Associated with Viability Selection, Reproductive Efficiency and Growth in Forest Tree Species	87	(24)
G. Muller-Starck
M. Ziehe
R. Schubert
Introduction	87	(3)
Methodological Considerations	90	(1)
Case Studies of Genetic Diversity in Forest Trees	91	(12)
Conclusions	103	(8)
References	105	(6)
Part C Biogeochemical Cycles
Functioning of Mixed-species Stands: Evidence from a Long-Term Forest Experiment	111	(20)
H.E. Jones
N. McNamara
W.L. Mason
Introduction	111	(1)
Background of the Gisburn Experiment	112	(3)
Tree Performance	115	(4)
Underlying Mechanisms Linked with Mixture Effects	119	(7)
Conclusions	126	(5)
References	127	(4)
The Role of Biodiversity on the Evaporation of Forests	131	(18)
D.D. Baldocchi
Introduction	131	(2)
Leaf Scale	133	(3)
Tree Scale	136	(2)
Canopy Scale	138	(6)
Conclusions	144	(5)
References	145	(4)
Effects of Tree Species Diversity on Litter Quality and Decomposition	149	(16)
S. Hattenschwiler
Introduction	149	(1)
Variation in Litter Traits and Decomposition Rates	150	(5)
Litter Diversity Effects on Decomposition	155	(6)
Conclusions	161	(4)
References	162	(3)
The Effect of Biodiversity on Carbon Storage in Soils	165	(20)
G. Gleixner
C. Kramer
V. Hahn
D. Sachse
Introduction	165	(1)
Formation of Soil Carbon	165	(2)
Consequences of Plant Diversity on the Quality of Carbon Input	167	(5)
Distribution of Carbon and Nitrogen and Their Stable Isotopes in Soil Profiles	172	(2)
Dynamic of Soil Organic Matter	174	(3)
Molecular Turnover of Soil Organic Matter	177	(3)
Conclusion	180	(5)
References	180	(5)
Silviculture and Its Interaction with Biodiversity and the Carbon Balance of Forest Soils	185	(26)
M. Mund
E.-D. Schulze
Introduction	185	(1)
Overview of Silvicultural Systems, Terms and Definitions	186	(2)
Methodological Restrictions	188	(2)
Effects of Species Composition and Species Identity Effects	190	(2)
Effects of Conversions of Primary Forests to Managed Forests	192	(3)
Effects of Silvicultural Practices	195	(6)
Conclusions	201	(10)
References	202	(9)
Part D Animals, Pests, and Disturbances
Linkages Between Tree Diversity, Soil Fauna and Ecosystem Processes	211	(24)
S. Scheu
Introduction	211	(1)
Plant (Tree) Diversity as Determinant of the Belowground Food Web	212	(9)
Effects of Soil Fauna on Ecosystem Processes	221	(2)
Feedbacks of Belowground Community Composition on Plant Community Structure	223	(2)
Conclusions	225	(10)
References	226	(9)
A Test of the Biodiversity--Stability Theory: Meta-analysis of Tree Species Diversity Effects on Insect Pest Infestations, and Re-examination of Responsible Factors	235	(28)
H. Jactel
E. Brockerhoff
P. Duelli
Introduction	235	(2)
Comparing Insect Pest Damage in Pure vs. Mixed Stands of Trees: A Meta-analysis	237	(4)
Effect of Tree Species Diversity on Stand Resistance to Pest Insects: The Main Ecological Hypotheses	241	(8)
Tree Species Diversity and Pest Damage at the Landscape Level	249	(3)
Conclusions	252	(11)
References	256	(7)
Susceptibility to Fungal Pathogens of Forests Differing in Tree Diversity	263	(28)
M. Pautasso
O. Holdenrieder
J. Stenlid
Terms of the Issue	263	(1)
Susceptibility as a Function of Tree Diversity	264	(11)
Reversing the Terms	275	(2)
Conclusions	277	(14)
References	279	(12)
Implication of Forest Diversity in Resistance to Strong Winds	291	(18)
J.-F. Dhote
Introduction	291	(5)
Species-Specific Susceptibility to Wind Damage	296	(2)
Effect of Location, Developmental Stage, and Canopy Closure	298	(1)
Analyzing Stability in Complex Forest Structures	299	(5)
Conclusion	304	(5)
References	306	(3)
Fire Regime and Tree Diversity in Boreal Forests: Implications for the Carbon Cycle	309	(38)
C. Wirth
Introduction	309	(2)
Methods	311	(2)
Patterns of Functional Diversity and Fire Regime	313	(14)
The Significance of Fire PFTs for Carbon Cycling	327	(5)
Discussion	332	(3)
Conclusions	335	(12)
References	336	(11)
Part E Perspectives
The Design of Experimental Tree Plantations for Functional Biodiversity Research	347	(30)
M. Scherer-Lorenzen
C. Potvin
J. Koricheva
B. Schmid
A. Hector
Z. Bornik
G. Reynolds
E.-D. Schulze
Introduction, or ``Why Do We Need Diversity Experiments with Trees?''	347	(1)
Experimental Approaches	348	(11)
Methodological and Design Considerations	359	(10)
Response Variables	369	(1)
Major Caveats	370	(2)
Outlook	372	(5)
References	373	(4)
The Functional Significance of Forest Diversity: A Synthesis	377	(14)
M. Scherer-Lorenzen
Ch. Korner
E.-D. Schulze
A Lack of Functional Biodiversity Research in Forests?	377	(1)
Mechanisms of Mixture Effects, or: Are There Differences Between Grasslands and Forests?	378	(4)
Research Needs	382	(2)
Conclusions	384	(7)
References	386	(5)
Taxonomic Index (Genera)	391	(3)
Subject Index	394