Insights into tree morphology and canopy space occupation under the influence of local neighbourhood interactions in mature temperate forests using laser scanning technology

Karl Louis Georgi

AutorIn

Karl Louis Georgi

Titel

Insights into tree morphology and canopy space occupation under the influence of local neighbourhood interactions in mature temperate forests using laser scanning technology

Zitierfähige Url:

https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:bsz:14-qucosa2-873635

Erstveröffentlichung

2023

Datum der Einreichung

20.04.2023

Datum der Verteidigung

22.08.2023

Abstract (EN)

Mounting evidence suggests that tree species richness promotes ecosystem functioning in forests. However, the mechanisms driving positive biodiversity ecosystem functioning relationships remain largely unclear. This also holds for the previously proposed key mechanisms of resource partitioning in canopy space. Until recently, surveying and hence the study of crown space was very time-consuming and the images low resolution. The application of high-resolution laser scanning, however, now enables a fast and precise recording of entire forests. This thesis presents how the abandonment of management strongly alters the individual tree structure from the wood distribution along the trunk to the crown, a tree species-rich neighbourhood can increase the wood volume and crown dimension of individual trees as well as the productivity of large-sized trees, mobile laser scanning in forests is suitable for the acquisition of high-quality point clouds and determination of relevant management parameters, and the direction and strength of the relationship between tree species richness and canopy occupation depends on the definition of both canopy and species richness. These results reinforce the influence of species richness on ecosystem functions in oldgrowth forests and underline the importance of laser scanning for forest ecology research. The findings of the comparative analyses further highlight the importance of underlying definitions for the results obtained.

Verweis

Longterm abandonment of forest management has a strong impact on tree morphology and wood volume allocation pattern of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
DOI: 10.3390/f9110704

Effects of local neighbourhood diversity on crown structure and productivity of individual trees in mature mixed-species forests
DOI: 10.1186/s40663-021-00306-y

Effects of tree diversity on canopy space occupation vary with tree size and canopy space definition in a mature broad-leaved forest
DOI: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2022.109055

Freie Schlagwörter (EN)