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European Forest Institute Research Report
Volume 18
Editors: H. Spiecker, J. Hansen, E. Klimo, J.P. Skovsgaard, H.Sterba and K. von Teuffel
Up to the end of the 19th century, many European forests suffered fromdevastation and soil deterioration, which caused fears of timbershortage. In order to counteract this possible shortage, many forestareas were reforested with coniferous tree species, especially Norwayspruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst). Consequently, coniferousforests (often Norway spruce forests), consisting of trees of the sameage, were established on many sites naturally dominated by broadleaves.As a result, damages caused by storm, snow, ice, drought, insects, fungiand possibly soil degradation seemed to occur more frequently in thesesecondary Norway spruce forests than in forests consisting of speciesbetter adapted to the ambient conditions. Conversion of Norway sprucestands may reduce these risks and upgrade biodiversity and the geneticpotential of forests. As the economic results of forestry, future woodmarkets and various other goods and services that are provided tosociety by forest ecosystems, are affected by present and futuredecision-making, all aspects of conversion must be well understood.
EFI's Regional Project Centre, CONFOREST, is continuously striving toimprove implementation of conversion projects by consolidation of theexpertise available in all forestry disciplines. This book comprises thefindings in all conversion-related areas aiming to consider ecosystemneeds while ensuring availability of silvicultural methods andoperational feasibility of their implementation. Simultaneously, thecost-effectiveness of conversion scenarios is analysed by forestryeconomists. Since a change in public perception and ecological awarenessmay cause policy makers to either or not endorse further conversionefforts, input by experts in forestry politics is also provided.
2004; x+320 pages
ISBN 90-04-13728-9
Price (all prices are subject to change without notice): EUR 98/US$ 140
VSPPostal address: P.O. Box 9000, 2300 PA Leiden, The Netherlands