Research

The aim of SteToDiv is to investigate the role of standing deadwood as a habitat for the biodiversity of fungi, insects, and birds, and its retention time in Austrian forests. Particular focus is placed on temporal development and site-specific differences in retention time and the biodiversity associated with deadwood, in order to enable practitioners to optimize this ecosystem service through appropriate, scientifically sound, nature-oriented forest management. This will also allow the ecological importance of habitat trees in cleared areas as stepping stone biotopes to be determined beyond their demise, as the mortality rate of suddenly exposed trees is often very high. SteToDiV will cover chronosequences for spruce and European beech, covering the period from death to falling, as well as spatial comparisons across site gradients in Austria. Dendroecological methods will be used to determine the age and time of death of standing deadwood. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data is used to measure the volume of trees with increasing degrees of decomposition, as well as tree hollows and other structures that promote biodiversity. To determine the course of species diversity in and on deadwood, eclectors (insects), visual and genetic categorization of lichens and fungal fruiting bodies, as well as passive acoustic methods (birds, bats) are used. The project quantitatively assesses two important relationships: a) the residence time and volume of standing deadwood under different site conditions, which plays an important role in CO2 storage, for example, and b) the development of species diversity for the most important taxonomic groups that benefit from standing deadwood.

The project MykoResi investigates the central importance of mycorrhizal fungi for the future fitness and health of forests in the Wienerwald region. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with trees and are crucial for their growth, health and stress tolerance. Although it is known that mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient and water uptake and increase resilience to drought stress, comprehensive studies on their species composition and function in forest ecosystems are lacking. The project closes this knowledge gap through the DNA-based analysis of mycorrhizal fungi and the linking of the data with soil and stand parameters. The research questions are: 1) Which mycorrhizal fungi are associated with higher drought tolerance and better nutrient supply? 2) Can the choice of tree species influence the composition of mycorrhizal fungi? 3) Which management measures maintain and promote mycorrhizal fungal communities? The results also include recommendations for sustainable management of forest resources and the promotion of climate-smart forests. The project is being carried out by the Institute of Forest Ecology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). The Österreichischen Bundesforste (ÖBf AG), the City of Vienna – climate, forestry and agriculture, the forest enterprises of Klosterneuburg Abbey and Heiligenkreuz Monastery and the Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve support the project, ensuring the transfer of knowledge into practice.

In alignment with the Austrian Climate Research Program Implementation (ACRPI) 2023, this project is dedicated to the practical application of research methodologies within the domain of climate change adaptation and protection. With a particular emphasis on the topic of "Adaptation to extreme weather events using nature-based solutions," the project seeks to integrate existing expertise in order to generate new scientific knowledge. The project places a particular emphasis on the development and optimization of planting methods for reforestation, with consideration given to the diverse characteristics of forest growth areas and tree species, in order to address the challenges posed by climate change in Austrian forestry. The project employs drone-based monitoring, leaf nutrient analysis, and automated image analysis to develop precise models for evaluating the vitality of tree seedlings. The monitoring and management strategies developed will ensure that these reforestation projects can be continuously adapted to changing conditions and needs. The project aims to create practical tools for forest owners to monitor forest health and take effective reforestation measures. Thus, the project not only contributes to scientific advancement in the field of forest management, but also has direct applications in the national implementation of the EU Climate Mission and the EU Forest Strategy 2030.