Abstract
Purpose of ReviewThe increased popularity and commercial use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) calls for the development of models for NTFPs to include their predicted yields in forest management planning and to evaluate the potential of multi-functional forest management. This study assesses and discusses the current state of the art and trends in NTFP yield modelling in Europe and the integration of the models in multi-functional forest management planning at different spatial scales.Recent FindingsClimate-sensitive empirical yield models already exist not only for a variety of NTFPs that are economically important to forest owners (e.g. cork and pine nuts) but also for wild-gathered berries and mushrooms, the harvesting of which cannot be controlled by the forest landowner in all European countries. Several studies on multi-functional forest management planning consider the economic profitability of the joint production of timber and NTFP. Harvesting NTFPs can create significant additional incomes for forest owners, compared with timber production only. However, maximizing the economic returns from the joint production of timber and NTFPs often calls for changes in forest management practices.SummaryContinued efforts in modelling and predicting the yields of NTFPs have enabled forest managers to further expand the analyses of multi-functional forest planning and management in Europe. Climate-sensitive models also allow analyses on the potential effects of climate change on NTFP yields. New models and forest management practices are still needed for tree fruits, birch sap, a wider variety of wild edible mushrooms, specialty mushrooms cultivated on live trees as well as medicinal and edible forest herbs harvested for commercial value in Europe.
Highlights
The global demand for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has increased due to the current trends in lifestyle and consumption
Quantitative analyses describing how forest management affects the provision of various ecosystem services, including NTFPs, call for yield models that are integrated in forest planning systems
Due to increased importance of NTFPs and prevailing dominance of timber production-oriented management, predicted NTFP yields have been mainly used in scientific studies to evaluate the economic profitability of the joint production of timber and NTFP
Summary
The global demand for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has increased due to the current trends in lifestyle and consumption. This article is part of the Topical Collection on Forest Policy, Economics and Social Research. Curr Forestry Rep (2020) 6:309–322 inclusion in forest planning calculations. These models facilitate multi-functional planning where the predicted yields of NTFPs are considered simultaneously with other forest products and services.
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