Research

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.

The overall aim of this project is to provide practical guidance on the successful restoration of native forests in the Ethiopian highlands. To address this, we will use an approach that will strengthen the supply of native tree species, combined with investigations of establishment of this material in tree species diverse plantations. This will be realized by strengthening the national reproductive material supply by establishment of seedling seed orchards of the target species (Juniperus procera, Prunus africana, Podocarpus gracilior, Albizia gummifera, Olea europaea sub sp. cuspidata, Cordia africana, Millettia ferruginea), methods of vegetative propagation (primarily for Juniperus procera but also for other species), and investigation of the growth of the target species in the tree species diverse plots. In the plots, the mineral nutrient requirements tree species and plant protection methods to aid successful establishment will be addressed. The HIGH FIVE project will build on the experience and data gained in previous projects by the consortium, which is made up of two Austrian partners, the Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (BOKU), and the Ethiopian Forest Development agency (EFD) and Bahir Dar University (BDU) from Ethiopia, and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) from Kenya.