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Germany's Forests Evolve: Mixed Stands Gain Prominence

Mixed stands are on the rise in Germany's forests. This change, driven by commercial choices, is making forests more diverse and resilient.

In this image I can see there are many wood on the ground and at the back, I can see there are many...
In this image I can see there are many wood on the ground and at the back, I can see there are many trees.

Germany's Forests Evolve: Mixed Stands Gain Prominence

Germany's forests are evolving, with mixed stands gaining prominence. This shift, driven by commercial tree species selection, impacts forest development and associated ecosystem services. The third national forest assessment, published in 2012, highlighted the increasing structural diversity in German forests.

Currently, around 57% of German forests are two-layered, with 11% being multi-layered or coppice. The area of mixed stands has grown from 54.9% in 2002 to 57.8% in 2012. These mixed stands offer suitable habitats for a larger number of species, improving environmental conditions. They also increase structural and genetic diversity, enhancing natural adaptation capacity.

The rise of mixed stands in German forests, driven by commercial tree species selection, is increasing structural diversity and enhancing ecosystem services. This trend, observed in the 2012 national forest assessment, is expected to continue, benefiting both forest development and associated ecosystem services. However, careful management is necessary to mitigate potential risks.

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