Insects are part of our ecosystems and are well integrated in the dynamics of forest landscapes. However, high-intensity episodes, known as outbreaks, can have strong negative impacts to host plants and, consequently to the wholeContinue reading
Tag: forest modelling
A step forward in the simulation of Mediterranean forest ecosystems
Modelling the dynamics of Mediterranean forests at large scales is a challenge. But scientists are setting up simulation models to help us better understand future directions of these ecosystems and how to better manage them.Continue reading
The symmetry of competition: does the battle take place above or below our feet?
In one of my previous posts I have already focused on the complex topic of competition among tree species. In that post I discussed the variability of species interactions (aka mixing effects) which depends onContinue reading
What factors determine whether tree species compete or complement each other?
The growth of the forest depends on a series of variables and their complex net of interactions. When the forest is composed of multiple species (called a “mixture”) its growth also depends on the intra-Continue reading
The future of Silver fir under climate change and browsing
We are back on the million dollar question: how will our forests develop in this uncertain era of climate change? Yes, many study showed that changing climate might have strong impacts on the dynamics ofContinue reading
Modeling fire size of wildfires
The extent of fires, their periodicity and their impact on terrestrial communities is always a concern. Wildfires play an important role in shaping landscapes and as a source of CO2 and particulate matter. Modeling theContinue reading
Ecosystem services, mountain forests and climate change
When speculating on what is going to happen to our forests in an uncertain future, it is hard to generalize. Impacts on tree growth, regeneration and mortality due to climate change and other factors (e.g.,Continue reading