Tree Species, as Major Drivers of Forest Ecosystems Functioning

Dear Colleagues,

In comparison to farmers, foresters have only a limited choice of tools for managing forest ecosystems. The choice of tree species is one of these tools. Indeed, in view of expected global change, e.g., altered temperature and precipitation regimes, the rise of CO₂ levels in the air and increased nitrogen deposition, many foresters anticipate modifying the specific composition of their stands in order to mitigate, or adapt to, the expected environmental changes. Nevertheless, even though we have known for decades, if not for more than a century, that tree species influence ecosystem functioning, large knowledge gaps still remain. For instance, gymnosperm forests have a different biogeochemical cycling than angiosperm forests. However, this difference is not systematic and its magnitude varies due to strong interactions with local conditions (e.g. soil, climate, and management). Therefore, a better understanding of tree species’ effects on ecosystem functioning, and how these effects are modulated by other factors, is needed if we aim at mitigating global changes and adapting forests to them.

We encourage studies from all fields, including experimental studies, monitoring approaches and models, to contribute to this Special Issue in order to promote knowledge strategies for the preservation, management, and future development of forest ecosystems in the context of global change. Studies about tree diversity effects are also welcome, provided that the relative weight on results of tree species identity versus tree species diversity has been assessed. We will be particularly receptive to studies which have a focus on interactions between tree species’ effects and site conditions or forest management.

Dr. Laurent Augusto
Guest Editor

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