Forest Dynamics
Head a.i.: Dr. Thomas Wohlgemuth
Contents
The Research Unit explores the functional significance of forest diversity with respect to the ecology of managed and unmanaged forests. In order to assess the future development of forests in Switzerland and other temperate and mountainous regions, the Unit pursues a threefold research agenda:
- it performs basic research on forest diversity and its influence i) on forest dynamics, i.e. successional processes including tree growth, mortality and regeneration, and ii) on ecosystem goods and services;
- it studies the disturbance agents such as storms, avalanches, fires and insects with respect to their occurrences and their impact on forest dynamics, as well as the importance of forest diversity to resist disturbance;
- it investigates the impact of management operations on forest structure and development to improve sustainable forest management.
Based on the research outcomes, the Unit develops recommendations for best practice to sustain or improve forest products and services such as production of timber and other forest goods (e.g. mushrooms), catchment value, water quality, protection against natural hazards and pests, conservation and recreation. The infrastructure of the Research Unit includes extensive networks of forest study plots and laboratories for insects and fungi analysis.
The Unit has partners both within WSL and the wider scientific community. Stakeholders are mainly the forest services, forest owners and federal agencies.
Topics
Projects
Master thesis
Open Master thesis in the group Mycorrhiza, Research Unit Forest Dynamics
Seasonal and spatial genetic patterns of a natural population of Burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum)
Further information (PDF)
Population dynamics in 16 natural Burgundy truffle sites
Further information (PDF)
Development of mycorrhiza colonization of inoculated trees in a Burgundy truffle plantation (Tuber aestivum)
Further information (PDF)
Small-scale distribution of individuals and mating types of the widespread mycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum
Further information (PDF)
Where are the fathers? Small-scale distribution of individuals and mating types of Burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum) in natural truffle locations
Further information (PDF)
Is the population structure of the widespread mycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum influenced by the water availability in the soil and the genetics of the host plant?
Further information (PDF)
Research Groups and Staff
Forest Dynamics
Member of Directors Board; Senior Scientist, interim Head of Research Unit |
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Senior Scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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Ecosystem Ecology
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Scientific staff member |
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Visiting scientist |
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Project Manager |
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Visiting scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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PhD student guest |
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Visiting scientist |
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Postdoc |
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Visiting scientist |
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IT specialist |
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Technical staff member |
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Postdoc |
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Administrative specialist |
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Scientific staff member |
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Postdoc |
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Visiting scientist |
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PhD student |
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Scientific staff member |
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Visiting scientist |
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Fieldworker / Deputy Project Manager |
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Senior Scientist |
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Scientific staff member |
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Visiting scientist |
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Temporary employee |
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Visiting scientist |
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Guest |
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PhD student guest |
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GIS specialist |
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Software engineer |
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PhD student guest |
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Scientific staff member |
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PhD student |
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Scientific assistant |
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PhD student |
Ecophysiology
Groupleader |
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Visiting scientist |
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Postdoc |
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Master student |
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PhD student |
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Visiting scientist |
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Trainee |
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Technical staff member |
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Senior Scientist |
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PhD student guest |
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Civil service employee |
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PhD student |
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PhD student guest |
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Scientific staff member |
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Master student |
Dendrosciences
Groupleader |
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Visiting scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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Temporary employee |
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Visiting scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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Master student |
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Scientific staff member |
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Senior Scientist |
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Master student |
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Visiting scientist |
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Senior Scientist |
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Scientific staff member |
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PhD student guest |
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Scientific staff member |
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PhD student guest |
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Technical staff member |
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Civil service employee |
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Temporary employee |
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Technical staff member |
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Visiting scientist |
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Visiting scientist |
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Assistant scientifique |
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Temporary employee |
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Senior Scientist |
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Technical staff member |
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PhD student guest |
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PhD student guest |