Changed Growth Performances in Germany Exemplified by Spruce, and Conclusions for Forestry : Causes and Consequences of Accelerating Tree Growth in Europe. Proceedings of the International Seminar

1999

S. 217-227

7 Abb., 14 Lit.

Unselbständiges Werk

200059195

In many German regions, forests seem to be characterised by rising increment rates because of environmental changes. The growth behaviour of spruce is investigated for two regions. In South Bavaria (sites of high productivity) mature spruce stands achieve growing stock volumes of up to 1600 mß ha-Ü as well as current volume increments of more than 18.0 mß ha-Ü y-Ü. Analyses of sample trees show that the phase of hypertrophic growth has begun in 1960. The increase of growth is readily apparent from the comparison of the preceding and succeeding generations. In Erzgebirge (sites of medium productivity), increment decline and losses of forest covered areas die to air pollution are ascertainable in spruce stands on mountain ridges. Because of the decrease in air pollution since about 1986 in the rest of the Erzgebirge, the stands are recovering and currently achieve increment performances at normal level.