Methodology for classifying the ecosystem integrity of forests in Germany using quantified indicators

Environmental Sciences Europe

Winfried Schröder¹  Stefan Nickel¹  Martin Jenssen² 

[1] Chair of Landscape Ecology, University of Vechta, P.O.B. 1553, 49364, Vechta, Germany;Institute of Forestry Eberswalde, Hohensaatener Dorfstraße 27, 16259, Bad Freienwalde, Germany;

关键词: Ecosystem classification;    Ecosystem functions;    Ecosystem structures;    Ecological indicators;    Environmental monitoring;    Geo-information system;    Mapping;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12302-021-00478-y

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundAtmospheric deposition of nitrogen and climate change can have impacts on ecological structures and functions, and thus on the integrity of ecosystems and their services. Operationalization of ecosystem integrity is still an important desideratum.ResultsA methodology for classifying the ecosystem integrity of forests in Germany under the influence of climate change and atmospheric nitrogen deposition is presented. The methodology was based on 14 indicators for six ecosystem functions: habitat function, net primary function, carbon sequestration, nutrient and water flux, resilience. It allows assessments of ecosystem integrity changes by comparing current or prospective ecosystem states with ecosystem-type-specific reference states as described by quantitative indicators for 61 forest ecosystem types based on data before 1990.ConclusionThe method developed enables site-specific classifications of ecosystem integrity as well as classifications with complete coverage and determinations of temporal trends as shown using examples from the Thuringian Forest and the “Kellerwald-Edersee” National Park (Germany).

【 授权许可】

CC BY