Erfolgskontrolle und Prozessanalyse in grossen Verjüngungsöffnungen im Gebirgsnadelwald

Mountain coniferous forests fulfill key protective and ecosystem functions in the Swiss Alps. Many of these forests are dominated by spruce and are regenerated through large clearings to ensure structural diversity and long-term functionality. Climate change and increasing disturbances are increasingly calling this management strategy into question and require a better understanding of the underlying processes. Traditional performance evaluations assess the condition of the forest and the achievement of objectives but provide only limited information on the ecological mechanisms at work.

The project therefore combines performance evaluations with process-based analyses to identify causal relationships between interventions and the responses of stands and regeneration. By analyzing growth, wood anatomical, and physiological traits, the project aims to establish a robust foundation for adaptive management, particularly with regard to promoting climate-resilient tree species and the maintenance of protective forests.