Short-rotation forestry: discussion of 10 Austrian principles from the viewpoint of preservation of environment and nature

Abstract

The first part of this paper gives an overview of short-rotation forestry in Austria and the ecological research in Styrian short-rotation forests. In the following part the 10 principles for short-rotation forestry systems from the viewpoint of nature protection and environment are discussed. These were developed and defined by an interdisciplinary Austrian team of scientists (phytosociologists, landscape ecologists, experts on forestry, on nature protection and on area planning), which was charged with the responsibility by the Austrian Ministry for Science, Transport and Art. It is noted that there are close interdependences between many of the principles; for example, long rotations and the reduction of nutrient inputs, or use of mixed cultures and no utilisation of pesticides. For the aims of nature protection and protection of rare species, principle 1 (short-rotation forests should only be supported if the former utilisation has been intensive) assumes the most important position because the probability of the cultivation of short-rotation forests on former arable land seems to be very low.