Eine ökosystemare Sicht auf den Nationalpark Harz

1998

S. 346-348

6 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200103460

In historical times, the forests of the Harz Mountains were subject to long-lasting influences, which destabilized the ecosystems. The excessive timber demand of the mining industries, reforestations with Norway spruce monocultures, extensive clear-cutting, acid rain (protons, ammonium) commencing with industrialization, increased nitrogen inputs and changing groundwater levels severely harmed the ecosystems. They are no longer in a constant state of circulating matter and energy, and natural successions may lead to new ecosystems, that better conform to the modified actual chemical environment. Emphasis has been placed on the fact that these destabilized ecosystems must be assisted by modern forestry measures such as liming and the establishment of broad-leaved coniferous mixed stands that have a ground vegetation layer of herbs and shrubs which decomposes quickly. The creation of the National Park is viewed skeptically, because putting a halt to timber exploitation alone cannot overcome these environmental problems.