Interaction between forest regeneration, climate change and nitrogen deposition

We are interested in the interplay and impacts of disturbances, climate change and nitrogen deposition on tree regeneration (Picea abies) in the high elevations of the Bavarian Forest National Park. The process of forest recovery is thereby significantly slowed down by a native grass species (Calamagrostis villosa) which became increasingly competitive due to the sudden, environmental shifts induced by the bark beetle outbreak. This new competitor grows faster than the spruce in conditions of clear cuts, which means higher light and nutrients availability. Furthermore, the productivity of C. villosa is additionally favored by the input of N due to human activity, especially agriculture. We sampled species richness and abundances (spermatophytes), grass biomass and tree regeneration in a systematic grid-based plot sampling. Furthermore, we analyzed data on reproduzing P. abies in the sourrounding area. Additionally, we investigated species richness and abundances (spermatophytes and mosses), pH, salinity and temperatures of forest springs.