TY - JOUR
T1 - Contributions of a global network of tree diversity experiments to sustainable forest plantations
AU - Verheyen, Kris
AU - Vanhellemont, Margot
AU - Auge, Harald
AU - Baeten, Lander
AU - Baraloto, Christopher
AU - Barsoum, Nadia
AU - Bilodeau-Gauthier, Simon
AU - Bruelheide, Helge
AU - Reich, Peter
AU - [and nineteen others], null
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - The area of forest plantations is increasing worldwide helping to meet timber demand and protect natural forests. However, with global change, monospecific plantations are increasingly vulnerable to abiotic and biotic disturbances. As an adaption measure we need to move to plantations that are more diverse in genotypes, species, and structure, with a design underpinned by science. TreeDivNet, a global network of tree diversity experiments, responds to this need by assessing the advantages and disadvantages of mixed species plantations. The network currently consists of 18 experiments, distributed over 36 sites and five ecoregions. With plantations 1–15 years old, TreeDivNet can already provide relevant data for forest policy and management. In this paper, we highlight some early results on the carbon sequestration and pest resistance potential of more diverse plantations. Finally, suggestions are made for new, innovative experiments in understudied regions to complement the existing network.
AB - The area of forest plantations is increasing worldwide helping to meet timber demand and protect natural forests. However, with global change, monospecific plantations are increasingly vulnerable to abiotic and biotic disturbances. As an adaption measure we need to move to plantations that are more diverse in genotypes, species, and structure, with a design underpinned by science. TreeDivNet, a global network of tree diversity experiments, responds to this need by assessing the advantages and disadvantages of mixed species plantations. The network currently consists of 18 experiments, distributed over 36 sites and five ecoregions. With plantations 1–15 years old, TreeDivNet can already provide relevant data for forest policy and management. In this paper, we highlight some early results on the carbon sequestration and pest resistance potential of more diverse plantations. Finally, suggestions are made for new, innovative experiments in understudied regions to complement the existing network.
KW - biodiversity
KW - experiments
KW - management
KW - plantations
KW - research
KW - sustainable forestry
UR - http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:31807
U2 - 10.1007/s13280-015-0685-1
DO - 10.1007/s13280-015-0685-1
M3 - Article
SN - 0044-7447
VL - 45
SP - 29
EP - 41
JO - Ambio
JF - Ambio
IS - 1
ER -
