Simulated successional characteristics of managed and unmanaged low-elevation forests in central Europe

Abstract

A forest succession model of the JABOWA/FORET type was applied to simulate stand development on low-elevation sites in The Netherlands and Switzerland. The model, previously tested for alpine conditions, proved to simulate accurately the successional characteristics of forests on poor sandy soils in the Veluwe area (central Netherlands). Model runs suggested that, in this region, Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) is the most important species in early succession. At a simulated stand age of 200–300 years, P. sylvestris is replaced by sessile oak ( Quercus petraea). The modeling experiment for a Swiss low-elevation forest was designed to explore long-term effects of forest management schemes. A forest system that would naturally belong to the sub-alliance Eu-Fagion was subjected to a management scheme that favors spruce ( Picea abies) during the first 250 years. After 250 years, an abrupt change from a managed to an unmanaged forest is assumed. The comparison of the undisturbed vs. the disturbed model system shows that the transformation from an artificial stand dominated by spruce to a natural forest composition takes between 300 and 350 years after forest management has ceased.