Abstract

Whereas there is evidence that mixed-species approaches to production forestry in general can provide positive outcomes relative to monocultures, it is less clear to what extent multiple benefits can be derived from specific mixed-species alternatives. To provide such insights requires evaluations of an encompassing suite of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and forest management considerations provided by specific mixtures and monocultures within a region. Here, we conduct such an assessment in Sweden by contrasting even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies)-dominated stands, with mixed-species stands of spruce and birch (Betula pendula or B. pubescens), or spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). By synthesizing the available evidence, we identify positive outcomes from mixtures including increased biodiversity, water quality, esthetic and recreational values, as well as reduced stand vulnerability to pest and pathogen damage. However, some uncertainties and risks were projected to increase, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations when assessing the pros and cons of mixtures.

Keywords

Climate change adaptation; Ecosystem services; Forestry; Mixed-forest stand; Polyculture; Resilience

Published in

AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment
2016, Volume: 45, number: Suppl 2, pages: S124-S139

SLU Authors

• Felton, Adam

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Nilsson, Urban

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Felton, Annika

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Roberge, Jean-Michel

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ranius, Thomas

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ahlström, Martin

  • Unit for Field-based Forest Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Björkman, Christer

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Boberg, Johanna

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Drössler, Lars

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Fahlvik, Nils

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Gong, Peichen

  • Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Holmström, Emma

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Klapwijk, Maartje

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Laudon, Hjalmar

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lundmark, Tomas

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Niklasson, Mats

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Nordens ark

• Nordin, Annika

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Stenlid, Jan

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wallertz, Kristina

  • Unit for Field-based Forest Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Future Forests
SLU Plant Protection Network


Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0749-2

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/80164