Duration: 2009-2011
Research project group: Long-term monitoring of forest ecosystems projects
"Tree vitality and adaptation" is a demonstration project included in FutMon-project (Action Group D1).
The main objectives of this action are to develop new integrated key indicators for tree vitality and to provide scientifically sound tools for the operational monitoring of tree vitality under field conditions in European forests.
Background
In the Pan-European forest condition monitoring programme, defoliation is used as a major indicator of forest health and vitality. Defoliation is also one of the indicators used for determining sustainable forest management, as defined by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Finland (MCPFE). However, practical experience as well as many studies have revealed a number of methodological limitations to this indicator (e.g. non-homogenous definitions, unclear influence of regeneration processes and other biotic factors), and there is a clear need to develop an improved methodology for forest health assessments.
| Implementation In Finland, Action D1 will be carried out on all 18 intensive monitoring plots (map). Phenological monitoring and observation of damage:
Monitoring of stem circumference:
Litterfall collection:
Assessment of Leaf Area Index (18 plots) by means of hemispherical and planar-mosaic digital photographs. Expected results The action will make proposals concerning the selection of and monitoring activities on the intensive monitoring core plots. |
Photo: Metla/Erkki Oksanen |
Project leader:
Beuker, Egbert
The Finnish Forest Research Institute,
Punkaharju Office,
Finlandiantie 18, FI-58450 PUNKAHARJU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 211 4223 Telefax: +358 10 211 2103
E-mail: egbert.beuker@metla.fi
Other researchers: Niemistö, Pentti, PA (2010-11), Nöjd, Pekka, VA (2009)
Updated 25.05.2012
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