Perspectives for future research on mixed-species systems

Abstract

This chapter proposes how to supplement and integrate existing knowledge in order to proceed from rather fragmentary mosaic pieces of knowledge to a more substantial base for ecology and management of mixed-species stands. First we sketch how the empirical basis and understanding of mixed-species stand structure and dynamics may be systematically improved through concepts, answering the right questions, and experimental approaches. We then outline how better knowledge might be acquired from experiments and inventories in future. In addition we sketch the necessary next steps from the description and analysis of ecological functioning of mixed-species stands to systematically designing mixed-species stands. The subsequent sections address the limited body of scientific knowledge on the effects of mixing native and exotic tree species and the importance of interactions between trees and other crops for integrated land use. To better understand the economic effects of mixed and uneven-aged stands, research is required into the economic efficacy of mixed-forest management, non-probabilistic approaches to economic uncertainty, and economies of scale, which have largely been neglected in economic analyses so far. The final section addresses how changes experienced by tree species under climate change can be predicted and modelled.