Wo steht die waldwachstumsforschung heute? Denkmuster-methoden-feedback

A change in thought-patterns in forest yield research is called for as a consequence of forest utilization's adverse effects on growth conditions, pollution and climate change combined with the gradual transition to mixed stands and growing interest in making more varied use of forests. A new concept of the forest is required as a hierarchic, open dynamic and spatially oriented system, endowed with a network of adaptable, automatic control systems. This involves an entire vector of interesting variables on the state of the forest and its output. Only consistent adherence to this more complex systems concept will put forest yield researchers in a position to go on providing foresters and environmentalists with a steady stream of quantitative information on the state of forests and viable alternatives for concerted action and development. It requires that this concept be applied to all stages in forest yield research, from test series planning to measuring and modelling. Also, data feedback between scientific research and practical application will no longer be feasible merely on the basis of yield tables. Decision makers need to be furnished with simple computer models that are a concise reflection of all that is currently known in forest yield science. The concept for and potential applications of a new generation of information systems are outlined using the example of a prototype of this kind of growth model. It goes back to a model concept of forest stands involving, for the present, only the most important driving variables and adhering closely to input and output parameters as obtained from forestry practice. In time and with progressive expertise in describing the state of forests it will, however, become better adapted to actual biological processes in forest growth.