Effects of Douglas fir on biomass decomposition and organisms involved

The Douglas fir will gain in importance in Swiss forests in the future, but possible influences of the Douglas fir on ecological processes in the forest have not yet been sufficiently researched. In this collaborative project (HAFL, WSL, University of Göttingen), the decomposition of Douglas fir litter and wood in comparison to native tree species (beech and spruce) in different forest types (pure and mixed stands) is being investigated. As a product, Douglas fir cultivation is assessed in a practical way with regard to biomass decomposition and functional biodiversity in the forest and recommendations for practical application are derived.