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Changing climates are altering the structural and functional components of forest ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. Simultaneously, we are seeing a diversification of public expectations on the broader sustainable use of forest resources beyond timber production. As a result, the science and art of silviculture needs to adapt to these changing realities. In this piece, we argue that silviculturists are gradually shifting from the application of empirically derived silvicultural scenarios to new sets of approaches, methods and practices, a process that calls for broadening our conception of silviculture as a scientific discipline. We propose a holistic view of silviculture revolving around three key themes: observe, anticipate and adapt. In observe, we present how recent advances in remote sensing now enable silviculturists to observe forest structural, compositional and functional attributes in near-real-time, which in turn facilitates the deployment of efficient, targeted silvicultural measures in practice that are adapted to rapidly changing constraints. In anticipate, we highlight the importance of developing state-of-the-art models designed to take into account the effects of changing environmental conditions on forest growth and dynamics. In adapt, we discuss the need to provide spatially explicit guidance for the implementation of adaptive silvicultural actions that are efficient, cost-effective and socially acceptable. We conclude by presenting key steps towards the development of new tools and practical knowledge that will ensure meeting societal demands in rapidly changing environmental conditions. We classify these actions into three main categories: reexamining existing silvicultural trials to identify key stand attributes associated with the resistance and resilience of forests to multiple stressors, developing technological workflows and infrastructures to allow for continuous forest inventory updating frameworks, and implementing bold, innovative si

Die Arbeit hat das Ziel, zur Verbesserung der bioökonomischen Modellierung gemischter Waldbestände beizutragen. Eine Literaturanalyse untersuchte Misch- und Reinbestände hinsichtlich ökonomisch relevanter Eigenschaften. Mittels einer Metaanalyse zu drei als besonders wichtig bewerteten Charakteristika, Wuchsleistung, Anfälligkeit ggü. Sturmschäden und Anfälligkeit ggü. Insekten, konnte ein positiver Effekt der Mischung nachgewiesen werden. In in einem zweiten Schritt zeigte eine Überlebenszeitanalyse die größere Widerstandsfähigkeit von Fichten (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) in Mischbeständen gegenüber Schadereignissen (insbesondere Windwurf und Insektenkalamitäten). Im abschließenden dritten Schritt konnten die zuvor gewonnenen Erkenntnisse zum Überleben von Fichten in Misch- und Reinbeständen zur Verbesserung eines bioökonomischen Modells genutzt werden. Dadurch wurde der Nachweis erbracht, dass Mischbestände Reinbeständen aus ökonomischer Sicht nicht unterlegen sind., The study is intended to provide an improved bioeconomic model of mixed species stands. A literature review analyzed economically relevant aspects of the differences between mixed- and mono species stands. Through meta-analyses of three characteristics - growth performance, susceptibility towards windthrow and susceptibility towards insect calamities - beneficial effects of mixing tree species were identified. Mixtures turned out to be especially advantageous with regard to susceptibility towards windthrow. In a second step survival time analysis showed the effect of mixing species on the resistance of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) against hazards, particularly windthrow and insect calamities. In a concluding third step the findings regarding survival probabilities of spruce in mixed- and mono species stands were used in a bioeconomic model. The hypothesis that mixed species stands would economically be inferior to monocultures could therefore be falsified.

Die Arbeit hat das Ziel, zur Verbesserung der bioökonomischen Modellierung gemischter Waldbestände beizutragen. Eine Literaturanalyse untersuchte Misch- und Reinbestände hinsichtlich ökonomisch relevanter Eigenschaften. Mittels einer Metaanalyse zu drei als besonders wichtig bewerteten Charakteristika, Wuchsleistung, Anfälligkeit ggü. Sturmschäden und Anfälligkeit ggü. Insekten, konnte ein positiver Effekt der Mischung nachgewiesen werden. In in einem zweiten Schritt zeigte eine Überlebenszeitanalyse die größere Widerstandsfähigkeit von Fichten (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) in Mischbeständen gegenüber Schadereignissen (insbesondere Windwurf und Insektenkalamitäten). Im abschließenden dritten Schritt konnten die zuvor gewonnenen Erkenntnisse zum Überleben von Fichten in Misch- und Reinbeständen zur Verbesserung eines bioökonomischen Modells genutzt werden. Dadurch wurde der Nachweis erbracht, dass Mischbestände Reinbeständen aus ökonomischer Sicht nicht unterlegen sind., The study is intended to provide an improved bioeconomic model of mixed species stands. A literature review analyzed economically relevant aspects of the differences between mixed- and mono species stands. Through meta-analyses of three characteristics - growth performance, susceptibility towards windthrow and susceptibility towards insect calamities - beneficial effects of mixing tree species were identified. Mixtures turned out to be especially advantageous with regard to susceptibility towards windthrow. In a second step survival time analysis showed the effect of mixing species on the resistance of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) against hazards, particularly windthrow and insect calamities. In a concluding third step the findings regarding survival probabilities of spruce in mixed- and mono species stands were used in a bioeconomic model. The hypothesis that mixed species stands would economically be inferior to monocultures could therefore be falsified.

PR, IFPRI3; ISI; CRP2; Land Resource Management for Poverty Reduction, EPTD; PIM, CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM)