Forests in the Bavarian Alps threatened by humus depletion
In the Bavarian Alps and low mountain ranges, climate change is making itself felt through a significant loss of humus in mountain and protective forests. This is leading to more unstable mountain forests, said Axel Göttlein, head of the Chair of Forest Nutrition and Water Balance at the Technical University of Munich. "The loss of humus leads to a decrease in water storage capacity and a decrease in nutrient storage in the soil."
Humus soils that lie on rock are particularly affected. "When the humus disappears from rock-humus sites, what remains is rock, and this is not suitable for forestry." There is a serious risk that we will lose forest areas due to the loss of humus, said Göttlein. "Unfortunately, the scale is not insignificant. It amounts to around 17 percent of the forest area in the Bavarian Alps."
According to the expert, climate change is affecting the Alpine regions particularly severely. "The frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events, such as the one in Berchtesgaden or this year in Slovenia, is increasing."
In the expert's opinion, it would be sensible to re-establish more mountain mixed forests. "The real mixed mountain forest is the four species of spruce, beech, fir and sycamore maple," said Göttlein. Four tree species are more reliable than one. "This means that if one tree species gets into trouble, for example due to the bark beetle, you can at least hope that the other three tree species will be able to maintain the forest's function."
The decrease in humus in mountain and protective forests due to climate change is a concern for forestry in the Bavarian Alps. This loss of humus is leading to a reduction in the capacity to store water and nutrients in the soil, potentially threatening the existence of forest areas.
The environmental impact of humus depletion in the Bavarian Alps is significant, with around 17% of the forest area at risk. The expert suggests re-establishing more mountain mixed forests with four tree species, such as spruce, beech, fir, and sycamore maple, to increase resilience and maintain forest functions in the face of environmental challenges.
Source: www.dpa.com
