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Forest Resources and Management

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The Research Unit (RU) Forest Resources and Management is principally engaged in four research themes:

Monitoring, analysis, assessment and prognosis of forest resources
Silvicultural interventions to ensure the provision of forest products and services
Availability and optimized utilisation of forest resources, especially timber
Development of methods and models related to the three research themes mentioned previously

Among the forest resources, the RU focuses its research on timber and carbon sequestration. Moreover, it provides contributions to protection from natural hazards and to the forest as habitat and recreational area, by covering forest structures and their development.

Although the RU focuses on forests, it also deals with the interaction between forests and other landscape elements. The RU handles its research themes on different spatial levels: from the stand, to the forest enterprise, to the region and up to the national level. Its research has a strong international reach, especially regarding the methods.

The RU administers the major project Swiss National Forest Inventory LFI and executes it by statutory mandate and in co-operation with the Federal Office of the Environment FOEN. Substantial parts of the LFI are carried out within the RU, while other parts are processed in co-operation with other RUs.

Methodically the RU excels at its emphasis on a solid empirical basis and on technologies needed to acquire the necessary data, especially in the fields of data collection, data management, data retrieval and data analysis. Parts of the data series concerning forest structure from the LFI, from growth and yield research and from forest reserves, surveyed over many decades, are worldwide unrivaled. These form the bases for modelling and prognoses. The methodological development of the RU focuses on statistical methods (sampling theory and time series analysis, spatial data analysis), information sciences and technologies (inventory techniques, navigation, data management, GIS) as well as simulation and decision models and their implementation in tools (expert systems as decision supports).

The RU is active in knowledge transfer. Its research projects are usually application-relevant and have an implementation component.

Research groups and Labs

Forest Resources and Management

FURTHER INFORMATION

Projects

Climate-smart forestry directions based on national Forest Inventory data

In this project we use the data of the Swiss national forest inventory to develop an assessment system that accounts for the three aspects of climate-smart forestry: mitigation, adaptation and the sustainable provision of forest ecosystem services.

Modelling forest growth using 3-PG

Testing 3-PG in uneven-aged forests, comparing predictions with an empirical model and developing a 3-PG R package.

DivScaling

The main objective of this project is to elaborate how different diversity components in Swiss forest change with increasing area and how they depend on changing heterogeneity.

Biomass transport for energy in Switzerland

The aim of this project is to explore the transport chains of biomass for energy in Switzerland and assess their economic and ecological impacts. Costs, energy inputs, and CO2 balances are calculated for the major paths travelled by forest wood and manure.

Tree species map of Switzerland

Despite the technical developments in the remote sensing sector that have emerged recently, data collection, efficient processing and especially storage of big data, and classifications over large areas are still insufficient.

Baumartenempfehlungen im Klimawandel

Die Tree App liefert für jeden Punkt im Schweizer Wald eine Baumartenempfehlung für das heutige Klima und für zwei Klimazukünfte, einen mässigen und einen starken Klimawandel. Sie unterstützt die Waldbewirtschafter dabei, Baumarten zu wählen, die in einem wärmeren und trockeneren Klima gedeihen.

FORClimateS

The project aims to aggregate and synthesize existing information on different spatial and temporal scales to provide decision-makers with relevant and robust information on short- and long-term risks for forests and forest functions and on adaptation strategies under different climate futures

Preserving 100+ years of growth plot data

This project will digitise the 100+ years worth of data that is stored in field note books, plot maps, hand-drawn root structures and crown maps etc.

Datengrundlage für Biomassefunktionen

Joint models in biodiversity modeling

This project aims to evaluate advantages and potential pitfalls of JSDMs in biodiversity modeling

JuWaPfl - IT-basierte Modelle für Produktivität und Kosten von Bestandesbegründung und Jungwaldpflege

Modelle zur Schätzung von Leistung und Kosten für Arbeiten der Bestandesbegründung und der Jungwaldpflege

Power Density Switzerland

"Power Density" describes the relationship between energy carrier, area and time. Renewable energies and particularly biomass require much larger area to produce energy compared to fossil fuels. This study helps identify where and to what extent which type of bioenergy could be used.

Ungulate browsing on tree regeneration in Swiss forests

The temporal development of the influence of wild ungulate species on tree regeneration in Swiss forests is estimated using data from the Swiss National Forest Inventory and density estimates of roe deer, chamois and red deer.

Ecosystem services in forests

We are studying the impacts of forest management on a variety of forest services. Using two models and a range of indicators we are simulating forest development and services with a variety of management and climate scenarios.

MoGLI – modelling woody species in NFI

The main goal of MoGLI is to project the potential distribution of the most common Swiss woody species across the entire forested area of Switzerland.

EnviDat: the Environmental Data Portal

EnviDat is the WSL data portal providing unified and managed access to environmental monitoring and research data. Through the sharing of unique and high-value data sets worldwide, EnviDat fosters research and contributes to advancing environmental science.

DEForScen

Current plastic response of plants to climate change may be reflected by tree health. We investigate tree health data collected on ca. 6000 plots across Europe since the 1980s to figure out whether changes and trends in defoliation permit to identify species-specific response to climate change.

Carbon storage and ungulate browsing

The joint effects of drought tolerance and herbivory is determined by analysing the extent to which water use efficiency and C storage of Abies alba saplings are influenced by genetic factors and ungulate browsing.

Experimental plantations of tree species

With experimental plantations we investigate which tree species and origins will grow well in the Swiss forest under the climatic conditions in 50 - 100 years.

Redevelopment of the single tree growth model Massimo

Massimo ist ein Distanz- und Positions- unabhängiges Einzelbaum Wachstumsmodell, basierend auf dem Netz des Schweizerischen Landesforstinventars. Die Module für Wachstum, Mortalität, Störungen und Bewirtschaftung basieren auf empirische Modelle die mit Daten des LFI angepasst wurden.

Predictive Analytics in Big Data

Predictive analytics deals with extracting patterns from series of data, such as observational, in order to better understand and predict the evolvement of spatio-temporal phenomena.

Change inventory Uholka

A partial repetition of the sample plot inventory of 2010, where 314 plots were measured, will allow representative conclusions about the temporal change of the forest structure, the regeneration, the tree composition and the deadwood in the primeval beech forest of Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh.

Remote sensing Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh

In order to quantify the vegetation in its 3D structure and to be able to model the topography of the surveyed area, a LiDAR aerial survey will be carried out during spring of 2017.

Structure and management of secondary spruce forests

On the basis of a field experiment started in 2005 where various silvicultural interventions are being tested, this project examines how pure secondary spruce forests can be converted into mixed mountain forests.

Beech dominance

Beech forests provide important ecosystem services. In the primeval forest of Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh, 97% of the tree layer is composed of beech. The reasons for this extremely pronounced dominance are examined in this project.

Forest structure in the spruce-fir-beech primeval forest of Chornohora

In order to invest in the infrastructure and basis for future research in the area of forest dynamics, new permanent plots will be established in mountainous mixed primeval forests with spruce, fir and beech.

[Translate] Indikatoren zur Prognose der Ökosystemleistungen des Schweizer Waldes mit LFI-Daten

[Translate] Mit diesem Projekt werden Methoden entwickelt um Ökosystemleistungen des schweizer Waldes auf regionaler und nationaler Ebene abzuschätzen. Dazu berechnen wir eine Reihe von bekannten Indikatoren zur Waldnutzung, Biodiversität, Schutzleistung und CO2-Speicherung aufgrund von im schweizerischen Lande

Forstliches Vermehrungsgut im Klimawandel

Anhand von Literaturrecherchen, Experteninterviews und Workshops wird der Status quo im Umgang mit forstlichem Vermehrungsgut in der Schweiz charakterisiert, Handlungsbedarf aufgezeigt und Handlungsoptionen skizziert. Im Fokus steht dabei der Klimawandel.

Tea bag decomposition study

Decomposition of plant litter is a key process for the transfer of carbon and nutrients in ecosystems. Carbon contained in the decaying biomass is released to the atmosphere as respired CO2, and may contribute to global warming. Litterbag studies have been used to improve our knowledge of the drivers of litter decomposition, but they lack comparability because litter quality is plant species-specific. The use of commercial tea bags as a standard substrate was suggested in order to harmonize studies, where green tea and rooibos represent more labile and more recalcitrant C compounds as surrogates of local litter.

Herb layer biomass in Swiss forests

The Swiss national forest inventory (NFI) provides comprehensive information on the state of forests in Switzerland. The purpose of this project was to develop a model to estimate herb layer biomass and carbon stock based on the categorical cover estimate on each NFI sample plot.

Vegetation height model NFI

For Switzerland, a national vegetation elevation model was calculated and updated on an ongoing basis. The ADS80 images routinely captured by swisstopo form the basis for the image matching workflow for deriving a 3D model of the landscape.

Countrywide Tree Type Mapping from Remote Sensing Surveys

Regularly updated information on the state, change and distribution of tree types (broadleaved and coniferous tree) is essential for forest related studies. The first data set consists of ADS80 aerial imagery. The follow-up product is currently being optimized using Sentinel satellite data.

[Translate] Holznutzungspotentiale und Klimaschutzleistungen im Schweizer Wald

[Translate] Simulationen mit dem Waldwachstumsmodell Massimo ermöglichen es zukünftige Holzerntepotentiale abzuschätzen und darauf basierend Klimaschutzleistungen der Schweizer Wald- und Holzwirtschaft abzuleiten

Assessing tree stem structures using terrestrial LiDAR

The objective of this project is to develop an approach for assessing the ecological value of a tree stem using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS).

Economic valuation of growing stock

The aim of the project is the economic valutation of the current growing stock and its changes.

Integrating Species Mixtures in Tree Growth Functions for Forest Development Models in Switzerland

The project advances the understanding of the effects of species mixtures on tree growth under a broad range of environmental conditions in Switzerland, and it prepares this knowledge for further development of forest scenario models.

Beurteilung von Schutzwäldern mittels Fernerkundung

Ziel dieses LFI-Projektes ist es, Methoden der Fernerkundung zur Beurteilung der aktuellen Schutzwirkung und Verjüngung von Schutzwäldern zu entwickeln. Im Fokus stehen die Möglichkeiten von terrestrischem (TLS) und flugzeuggestütztem Lasesscanning (ALS).

Species Mixture Effects on Tree Growth

Clipping Experiment

In an genecological common garden experiment, we investigate quantitative genetic variation within and among Swiss provenances of Abies alba, Picea abies, and Fagus sylvatica, before and after clipping. Growth, resilience after simulated browsing and provenance differences are related to environmental variables of seed sources.

Characteristics of game impact

The relationship between the brwosing intensity and structure of the tree regeneration is complex. In this project, knowlege gaps in the characteristics to evaluate the influence of game will be explored by means of further investigations in indicator areas in the canton of St. Gallen and the potential additional features will be tested form foresters for their practicality in the region Calanda. The aim is to approach a scientifically sound and at the same simple monitoring for game influence on forest regeneration.

Multi-Criteria Decision Support System

Multifunctional forest management today presents a major challenge for forest enterprises. The diverse demanded goods and services of the forest lead to a complicated forest planning and decision making. Appropriate concepts and tools are required to support this.

Biomass potentials Switzerland

SCCER-BIOSWEET aims to increase the energetic use of biomass in Switzerland. WSL determines resource potentials, examines availabilities and future developments of different biomass categories.

Terrestrial laserscanning for forest inventories

We evaluate the applicability of terrestrial laserscanning for forest inventories. For an efficient and detailed analysis we use simulations of forests and LiDAR systems.

Terrestrial laserscanning for forest inventories

We evaluate the applicability of terrestrial Laserscanning for forest inventories. For an efficient and detailed analysis we use simulations of forests and LiDAR systems.

Ressourcenverfügbarkeit im Schweizer Wald

[Translate] Um eine effiziente und zeitgemässe Waldbewirtschaftung zu gewährleisten, ist eine ausreichende Strassen-Infrastruktur und darauf angepasste Holzernteverfahren unabdingbar.

Harvesting intensity

An optimal management of mountain forests is economically viable, maintains and ensures the protection against natural hazards, creates good conditions for regeneration and maintains stand increment in the long-term at high levels. These requirements pose complex optimization tasks for managers.

GTREE

We investigate seedling emergence and survival of Norway spruce and European larch at treeline in an experiment at Stillberg near Davos.

Forest inventory on enterprise level

With a smart combination of data collected with terrestrial methods and remote sensing forest inventories shall become more efficient and practice oriented to serve the needs of a multifunctional forest management.

Fahrversuch in Rückegassen mit halber Ladung

In einem Befahrungsexperiment mit einem Forwarder im Forstbetrieb Wagenrain in Bremgarten AG wurde untersucht, wie sich das Befahren bestehender Rückegassen mit voller und mit halber Zuladung auf die Tiefenwirkung der Verdichtung und auf die Spurbildung auswirken.

Agent-based Modelling

Agent-based modelling enables to model all actors on the wood market individually. Simulating the model then provides insights into the market processes. With the simulation of various scenarios, the effects of structural and institutional changes on the wood market should be explored. The project is part of the WSL-project “An economic analysis of Swiss wood markets”, which is connected to the NRP 66 program “resource wood”.

An Economic Analysis of Swiss Wood Markets

In this project, researchers analyse the workings of the Swiss wood markets on the basis of case studies and explain them with the help of economic theories. The results will be used to develop an agent-based model. This should make it possible to develop scenarios for future wood availability and present options for influencing it through economic instruments.

Soils and water regime of Swiss forests

For the whole forest area of Switzerland, we will map soil properties that are relevant for the water regime of forest stands. Based on this data we will run a water balance model for the 6000 plots of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) from 1980 to 2100 in order to detect regions that likely will suffer under increased drought in the near future.

Sortimentsimulator SorSim

SorSim ist ein Computer-basiertes Modell, um einzelne Bäume oder ganze Bestände in Sortimente einzuteilen. Die Schaftformen werden modelliert, Rinde und Zumasse werden abgezogen und aufgrund von Sortimentsvorgaben in die entsprechenden Klassen eingeteilt.

Forest and climate

An expansion of forested zones could bring about a warming of the atmosphere at higher altitudes.

Update HeProMo

The productivity models "HeProMo", realized in 2003, are partially going to be outdated and several models for new modern harvesting processes are missing yet. The aims of the project are to renew some of the existing models based on new data sets and to create new models for current harvesting processes, such as logging and chipping of energy wood, transport of chips and logging of full trees by cable-crane.

Impact of browsing

Tree regeneration is part of the normal diet of ungulates species such as roe and red deer and chamois. Silver fir and sycamore maple are particularly preferred tree species for ungulate browsing, but also silvicultural important tree species. Analyses of data from long-term surveys in indicator areas are used to determine whether and how ungulate browsing affect the structure of regeneration in the long term, i.e. the size distribution of the tree species.

Greenhouse gas inventory (GHGI)

Assessment of changes in carbon stocks in the Swiss forest

Exotic tree species

Exotic tree species, which are adapted to a warmer and dryer climate, could contribute to coping with climate change. Six such species are tested in a long-term field experiment near Mutrux (Canton of Vaud).

Nadelbäume und Trockenheit

Sehr starke waldbauliche Eingriffe im Gebirgswald können kurzfristig ökonomisch vorteilhaft sein. Langfristig könnten sie aber die Waldverjüngung verzögern und den Holzuwachs vermindern. Ob solche nachteiligen Auswirkungen auftreten und wie gross sie allenfalls sind, wird mit retrospektiven ertragskundlichen und dendroökologischen Erhebungen in Gebirgswäldern abgeschätzt.

Genetic Variation

Die Klimerwärmung dürfte den Wald auf vielen Standorten unter Stress setzen. Wir untersuchen, ob die genetische Variation der Waldbäume es ihnen erlaubt, sich an den Klimawandel anzupassen. Wir fokussieren dabei auf die drei häufigsten Baumarten in Schweizer Wäldern, die Fichte, die Tanne und die Buche.

Dynamics of dead wood and saproxylic insects

Dead wood is a vital prerequisite for a quarter of all organisms living in a forest. The future intensification of forest management will pose a threat to many wood inhabiting (saproxylic) insect species. In forest reserves the formation and decay process of dead wood is quantified and the importance of micro-habitats for saproxylic beetles is investigated.

Auswertungssoftware NAFIDAS

Die NAFIDAS Auswertungssoftware ermöglicht konsistente und verlässliche Berichte mittels Daten des Schweizerischen Landesforstinventars LFI in Form von Tabellen und Karten.

The data analysis system NAFIDAS

The national forest inventory data analysis system (NAFIDAS) allows producing reliable tabular reports using data of the Swiss national forest inventory (NFI) and involved cantons.

Physical soil protection

Soils fulfill various functions. As a consequence of land cultivation and of the emission of harmful substances from various sources, the soil functions are endangered. In the research topic “soil protection” the main threats and their effects on the soil functions and hence on soil fertility are investigated.

Young growth tending

Each year, about 50 Millions CHF are invested in tending interventions in Swiss forestry. In a field experiment of 7.3 ha size, we study how four tending variants affect tree species richness and stem quality in the long term. Particular interest is given to the question how minority species present in mixed stands can be maintained against the highly competitive beech.

Group planting

After large-scale storm damage, the density of seedlings from natural regeneration is sometimes insufficient. In such cases, planting is justified. The cost-effective establishment of such plantations, and in particular the planting in small groups, is the focus of this project.

Regional inventories using the NFI method

The WSL offers support of regional (cantonal) inventories based on the Swiss NFI method as a service in collaboration with the cantons.

Datacenter DNL

The purpose of the project DNL is to integrate existing national biotope inventories (bogs, flood plains, meadows, etc.) into a database and connect it to further datasources of the FOEN. Particularly the lineage of the data with all scientific and political processes shall be documented.

The group selection system

The effects of selective thinning and group selection cuts on stand growth and stability are studied in this long-term project. The aim is to derive silvicultural recommendations for risk reduction in mountain forests.

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