This research focus studies how plants are related and how they respond to primary site factors in forests. Specifically, we are interested in the main growing factors such as light, temperature, soil moisture and nutrient availability and their effects on forest vegetation, including tree-growth. Tree growth is analysed as a function of the main growing factors mentioned above, by applying and further developing dendroecological methods. Our research provides new data based knowledge for the scientific community, for the forest management and for educational purposes.

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The rhizosphere is the part of the soil, that is influenced by the activity of roots and associated organisms such as bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. In this research topic we want to quantify the role of rhizosphere processes in the mobilisation of nutrients and toxic substances and in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nutrient elements in natural ecosystems.

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In this research topic, the chemical and the physical properties of water in soils of near-natural ecosystems like forests are investigated. Soil water is essential for plants and soil organisms. It is also important for humans, since ground water originating from forested areas is often used as drinking water. We are interested in studying the reactions of soil water to air pollution, climate change and forest management operations. We provide scientific publications and data for environmental policy makers, forest managers and scientists.

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Soil microorganisms mediate many processes such as nitrification, denitrification, and methanogenesis that regulate ecosystem functioning and also feed back to influence atmospheric chemistry. These processes are of particular interest in terrestrial ecosystems where nutrient cycling is highly responsive to anthropogenic perturbations and soil gas releases may be sensitive to climate warming.

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Soils play an important role in the global carbon cycle. In Switzerland, soils store about 80% of the terrestrial carbon and 7.5 times as much as the atmosphere as CO2. Temperature, moisture and litter inputs are the main controls on soil carbon cycling.

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In that research topic, the roots of trees are investigated in relation to soil properties. Roots take up water and nutrients from the soil, they store carbon compounds, and they provide physical stability. While the fine roots are evident in the uptake of water and nutrients, both fine and coarse roots are relevant in tree stability. Our research delivers an important contribution to the biology and ecology of tree roots, and the results support science as well as extension and teaching. Our aim is the support of the sustainability of forest ecosystems.

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Soils fulfill various functions. They are habitats of plants, animals, microorganisms and fungi and are consequently an important basic resource for human beings. Soils govern the percolation of water and dissolved substances by acting as a reservoir, a buffer and/or a filter and therefore, they are an important regulator in element cycling. In the research topic “soil protection” the main threats and their effects on the soil functions are investigated.

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