Kurzumtriebsplantagen – Ergänzung oder Widerspruch zur nachhaltigen Waldwirtschaft? | Short-term rotation plantations – supplement or in contradiction to sustainable forest management?

Abstract

Sustainability in forestry does not only cover wood production but it serves all functions of the forest. The increasing demand for wood urges a reconsideration of management concepts. To further ensure the principle of sustainability with the forest as a natural tool for resources, all potentials of the cultural landscape for woody biomass production are to be considered with the strategies for a sustainable development. Such a potential is offered by short-rotation plantations at agricultural sites. Management of such plantations in the agricultural landscape must meet minimum standards in respect to ecology and economy but cannot fulfill all criteria for a sustainable forest management. The less intensive management of such plantations compared to other agricultural land-use systems, has favorable effects on the ecosystem services of the landscape, ecological efficiency of the natural environment and biodiversity. According to a differentiated management strategy for woody stands in forest and agricultural landscapes, short-term rotation plantations as an intensive management strategy for woody ecosystems as well as strictly protected areas for nature conservation and forest regulation consider the concept of partial segregation. The allocation of wood by short-term rotation plantations reduces the pressure on the sustainable, ecologically oriented forest management as an integration strategy which should be implemented on the predominant forested area in the future.