bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPS- und Kamera-basierte Fahrzeugführung durchs Gelände – ION im Grand Challenge (GPS- and Camera-based Off-Road Vehicle Control – ION in the Grand Challenge)
Authors: Stiller Christoph , Kammel Sören , Dang Thao , Duchow Christian , Hummel Britta
Published: June 2007

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das unbemannt und vollständig autonom fahrende Landfahrzeug ION, das im Finale des Grand Challenge Wettrennens 2005 durch die Mojave Wüste in Nevada eine Strecke von 47 km bewältigt hat. Nach einer Beschreibung der Systemarchitektur fokussiert der Beitrag auf die Sehsystem-gestützte Bahnplanung. Es wird ein probabilistisches Modell vorgestellt, welches a priori Erwartungen an die zu fahrende Bahn beinhaltet. Das Beobachtungsmodell fusioniert die diversitären Bildmerkmale Disparität, Textur und lokale Orientierung. Durch einen Bayes´schen Schätzer wird schließlich ein aktiver Suchbaum aufgespannt, mit dessen Hilfe zu jedem Zeitpunkt eine Optimalbahn angegeben werden kann, deren Länge mit wachsendem Rechenaufwand zunimmt. Reale Ergebnisse aus der Mojave Wüste belegen ein hohes Maß an Robustheit des Systems.
Konzept zur Sollwertgenerierung und Modellgestützten Prädiktiven Regelung für die Querführung von Nutzfahrzeugkonvois (Concept for the Generation of Reference Variables and Model-Based Predictive Control for the Lateral Guidance of Heavy-Duty Vehicle Platoons)
Authors: Keßler Günter C. , Maschuw Jan P. , Zambou Nathan , Bollig Alexander
Published: June 2007

Das Konvoifahren von Nutzfahrzeugen stellt eine mögliche Organisationsform für den zukünftigen Güterkraftverkehr dar. Während das Führungsfahrzeug manuell gesteuert wird, werden alle Folgefahrzeuge automatisch längs- und quergeführt. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Konzept zur Sollwertgenerierung sowie zur Modellgestützten Prädiktiven Regelung (MPR) für die im Rahmen der Bahnführung notwendige Querregelung vorgestellt. Das Regelungsverfahren wird in Simulationen unter Berücksichtigung von Parameterschwankungen erprobt und die Ergebnisse werden dargestellt.
Naturnähe von Waldbeständen messen und überwachen | Measuring and Controlling Near-to-Nature Forest Stands
Authors: Tiefenbacher Erich
Published: June 2007

In order to use the degree of nearness to nature as controlling parameter, a simple methodology has been developed with regard to the regional forest plan of Weinfelden (forest development plan). It is based on the extent of deviation from the existing share of deciduous trees to the minimal share aimed for. This again can be fixed individually for each forest society – with a near-to-nature silviculture as a precondition. According to this methodology, about one third of the forests of central Thurgau can be described as near-to-nature forests. The chosen approach is rather rough, the necessary data, however, are quickly available with no further long-term costs as they are being evaluated in the course of the regular forestry planifica-tion anyway. For reasons of demonstration for foresters, forest owners, communal authorities and the population in general, easily understandable maps can be generated by means of a geographical information system. These show the degree of nearness to nature very clearly and thus the focus at future converting activities.
Possibilités, initiatives et calendrier de la mise en valeur des bois feuillus en Suisse au cours des décennies à venir | Possibilities, Initiatives and Timing for an Economic Development of Hardwood Timber in Switzerland for the Coming Decades
Authors: Hofer Peter
Published: June 2007

Despite the fact that NFI 2 clearly attests that 35% of Swiss forests' increments are produced by hardwoods, only 28% of that volume are harvested yearly. A mere eight percent of the working capacity of Swiss sawmills is used on indigenous hardwoods;imported logs take up an additional 4%. More than 50% of the hardwood sawlogs exploited in Swiss forests is thus exported without any processing. Studies realised by «Forum for wood» have shown that an important potential market exists for local timber and especially for hardwood products. This is due not only to its aesthetic qualities, but also to the mechanical properties which allow uses in construction. The decisive factors for better marketing opportunities for hardwood are mainly found in the wood processing industries. Only a voluntary marketing promotion conducted by the whole woodworking chain can bring about a significant breakthrough for hardwoods.
Tragsicherheit von Holzkonstruktionen im Wildbachverbau – Ein Fallbeispiel 60-jähriger Wildbachsperren | Bearing resistance of timber structures – a study of 60-year-old log crib dams
Authors: Noetzli Konrad Philipp , Frei Martin , Böll Albert
Published: June 2007

Timber is a valuable building material for log crib dams in torrent control. However, due to inherent biological deterioration its stability and strength decreases over time. Round wood beams from three log crib dams, built around 1940, were subjected to bending tests in a case study in situ to determine the bending moment at failure. 60 years after installation, two-thirds of the tested beams still showed a higher bending moment at failure than the original design moment, with an average safety factor of 1.2. The influence of the test conditions and the statics of the systems are discussed here.
Tree resources in the floodplain areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Miah Md. Danesh , Hossain Mohammed Kamal
Published: June 2007

Tree resources in one of the floodplain area of Bangladesh were enumerated considering the composition,distribution and diversity of the species. The enumeration was done in the homesteads, campuses of the institutes and waste/marginal lands. Artocarpus heterophyllus and Swietenia mahagoni were found to be the most common and major tree species.
Agroforestry – A way forward to the sustainable management of the Walnut Fruit Forests in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Messerli Siroco
Published: June 2007

The unique Walnut Fruit Forests in Kyrgyzstan are a good example of the multifunctional use of forests in temperate zones. Not only are non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected but the land in and around the forests is used for grazing and haymaking, as well as for arable cropping and the establishment of fruit orchards. Apart from sustaining the lives of the local mountain people, the Walnut Fruit Forests are extremely rich in biodiversity and have an important function as a watershed for the Ferghana valley. The simultaneous dependence of the population on both agriculture and forest offers ideal conditions for the extension and improvement of existing agroforestry systems. However, solutions must be found concerning the practice of uncontrolled grazing, the insecure land and tree tenure situation, the low productivity of the existing land use systems, the lack of agricultural advice and training and the serious impact of firewood collection on the forests in order to safeguard the Walnut Fruit Forest’s biodiversity while integrating the needs of the local population into forest management.
Agrarische Waldnutzungen in der Schweiz 1800–1950. Nadel- und Laubstreue | Agricultural use of forests in Switzerland 1800–1950. Needles and leaves for litter harvesting
Authors: Stuber Martin , Bürgi Matthias
Published: June 2007

Forest litter harvesting is among the most important agricultural uses of forests. This by-product of the forest was traditionally used in the stables, where it was mixed with dung to produce fertiliser, so the intensity of harvesting was directly linked to the demand for forest litter and the availability of alternative material (e.g., straw, sedge, reed). In the late 19th century, the modernisation of agriculture and the globalization of the grain market caused a shortage of straw in the lowland areas of Switzerland, which led to a sharp increase in demand. In the mountainous regions of Switzerland, forest litter had been equally indispensable, even before 1800, due to the introduction of potatoes and the ensuing decline in crop cultivation. Improved and cheaper means of straw transport put an end to the period of intensive forest litter harvesting, around 1900 in the lowland areas and in the 1960s in mountainous regions. However, the effects on forests as an ecosystem have outlived the actual practice of litter harvesting. Interpreting these effects in the context of nature conservation raises the question of whether a local re-introduction of forest litter harvesting might be desirable. Experiments will help to answer this question.
Vegetation characteristics of Bangladesh homegardens
Authors: Millat-E-Mustafa Md. , Haruni A.K. Osman
Published: June 2007

A total of 162 perennial species were recorded from the 100 homegardens surveyed in four regions of Bangladesh. The highest number of species was recorded from the deltaic region (91) followed by the plain (79), hilly(73) and the dryland (65) regions, respectively. Species density declined with increasing homegarden size in each region. Within each region food and fruit producing species dominated in the homegardens. Between any two regions more than 50% of the species was common. Nine general uses (food/fruit, timber, fuelwood, spice, fodder, medicine,fence, agricultural implement, others) of homegarden plants were identified.
Abbildung von Prozessketten mit Componentware, dargestellt am Beispiel der Holzernte | Modelling of process chains with componentware; the example of timber harvesting
Authors: Erni Vinzenz , Lemm Renato , Frutig Fritz , Oswald Kaspar
Published: June 2007

In order to remain capable and competetive,enterprises must continuously improve their business processes. Whole process chains must be analyzed and optimized. This necessitates a continuous parallelization, substitution,aggregation and/or omission of subprocesses. Only efficient,flexible, adaptable software, open to modification and able to represent process chains, will serve this purpose. Component technology assists in developing suitable software components that can be freely combined. Various questions and problems have to be addressed during this process. How are such components to be delimited? How designed? What functionalities must they encompass? In this paper these questions are discussed and demonstrated by modelling process chains of timber harvesting.
Frostschäden an Nadelbäumen im Winter 2001/2002 und deren Folgen | Frost damage to conifers in winter 2001/2002 and its influence on tree development
Authors: Engesser Roland , Forster Beat , Landolt Werner
Published: June 2007

In early 2002, startling changes of colour appeared on the leaves and needles of evergreen tree species at higher altitudes. The trees formed «red belts» across the mountain slopes, several hundred meters long. The discolouration was caused by frost in the previous winter. In this paper we present the reaction of conifers to frost and look at the most important occurrences of frost in the last decades. Based on experience gained following the widespread frosts of 1986/1987, we can expect most of the damaged trees to recover over the next few years. This expectation, however, will only be fulfilled if there are no subsequent and serious bark beetle attacks. Continued surveillance of the injured forest sites is, therefore, necessary.
Die Edelkastanien (Castanea sativa) am Südhang des Urmiberges, Kanton Schwyz | Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) on the southern slopes of Urmiberg, canton of Schwyz
Authors: Heiniger Ursula , Schilter Andreas , Wirz Roger
Published: June 2007

Around 1900, the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) was widespread near the lakes of Central Switzerland. It was mainly cultivated as a fruit tree. Today the tree has lost its economic importance,but it is still a beautiful landscape element. ENGLER (1900) found a wide distribution of the sweet chestnut on the south-western slopes of the Urmiberg. These chestnuts had largely disappeared by 1958 (FURRER 1958). In 1999 the occurrence of the sweet chestnut was mapped on the Urmiberg and compared with maps made by ENGLER (1900) and FURRER(1958). The results show that the sweet chestnut has disappeared from the open land on the Urmiberg with the exception of one tree at Hebleren. Today several tree groups are to be found to the west of the study area at the edge of the forest and in the forest along the Bärenfallenweg and near Schroten-Dörfli. Only two trees were found with a dbh > 1 m;the majority had dbhs between 10 and 40 cm. All the trees were healthy and showed no signs of chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica). For the future preservation of the sweet chestnut, special care and management needs to be applied.
Evoluzione strutturale di popolamenti cedui di robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) nel Canavese (Torino - Italia) | Structural development of black locust coppices in Canavese (Turin, Italy)
Authors: Pividori Mario , Grieco Cristina
Published: June 2007

With a synchronic analysis we studied the main stand parameters of 17 black locust coppices aged between 1–41 years. The homogeneous site conditions of the stands made it possible to study the structure of their dynamics in the context of a time period twice or three times longer than the traditional rotation period.

Main dendrometrical and structural parameters of the studied stands are described.

In undisturbed conditions, 5–7 years after the coppicing,natural regeneration of other broadleaved species starts to occur in the stands and eventually reaches the robinia crown belt, which begins to reduce its cover.
Zur Verwendung von Landschaftsmasszahlen bei Wald- und Landschaftsinventuren: Überblick und Kritik | The application of landscape indices in forest and landscape inventories: review and critique
Authors: Köhl Michael , Oehmichen Katja
Published: June 2007

Landscape indices have been developed as a mean of describing the spatial structure of landscapes. This paper presents an overview of the concept and the approaches of the most commonly used landscape indices, which are mainly applied to spatial data in raster format. In order to describe the spatial diversity of a landscape, indices can be calculated as moving averages for sections of the landscape. This can be carried out using two concepts: geometric windows make use of fixed sections with low resolution, while geographic windows adapt the window size according to landcover or landuse classes. Geometric windows are sensitive to borderlines and changes between landcover or landuse classes, while geographic windows represent the spatial diversity of landscapes.

Taken alone, matrices provide only limited information on the content of landscape. Only the combination of landscape indices and underlying ecological processes can provide a sound basis for a qualitative evaluation. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for practical applications of landscape indices.
Zukünftige agrarische Nutzungen im Berggebiet: Folgen für Tourismus, Forst- und Landwirtschaft | Future agrarian use of mountainous regions: consequences for tourism, forest and agrarian policies
Authors: Rieder Peter
Published: June 2007

In mountainous regions, 20th century developments in agriculture and in the economy as a whole have produced farming villages, on the one hand, and villages catering to tourists, on the other. The current new orientation of agricultural policy leads to the prediction that mountain farming will become less work-intensive, with fewer agricultural enterprises than today. Two implications can be drawn from this change of policy; (1)for mountain villages and (2) for land use in mountainous regions.(1) In mountain villages (especially outlaying ones or those dominated by farming) there is a real danger that, with the decline of farming and changes in society (for example,smaller families or regional economical processes, such as the loss of manufacturing enterprises) the size of a population will fall below the level necessary to sustain a functioning village community. A strategy to ensure the long-term survival of such villages should be sought in new regional economic solutions rather than in agrarian policy. (2) Land that ceases to yield a profit, ceases to be worked. This consequence, in combination with forest areas that are no longer tended, creates situations that can lead to natural disasters or a loss of biodiversity. One instrument to combat these tendencies is the development of countryside concepts. Such concepts need to be developed and supported by all groups of a village population.
Waldwirtschaft und Waldpolitik im Kanton Aargau | Forestry and forest policy in the canton of Argovia
Authors: Kasper Heinz
Published: June 2007

Conditions in the canton of Argovia for efficient forest management are relatively good. The natural conditions and the present condition of the forests allow a high degree of sustainable yield with a high proportion of valuable, goodquality wood. The character of the new Argovian Forest Law is liberal and grants a great measure of freedom to forest owners in organisational and managerial matters. The progress in rationalisation achieved by restructuration over the past ten years has been considerable, but largely cancelled out by falling wood prices. Future development will depend, not least, on the goals and values of the political authorities as the largest group of forest owners.
Die Forstbetriebe im Kanton Aargau; von traditionellen Besitzstrukturen und dynamischen Forstbetrieben | Forest enterprises in the canton of Argovia:traditional owner structures and dynamic forest management
Authors: Häfner Robert
Published: June 2007

Approximately 250 publicly owned forest districts in the canton of Argovia manage 80 per cent of the total forest of the canton divided between 91 forest enterprises. All excepting 8 of the latter have joined forces with one or more partners and independently regulated the size, form and legal structure of their co-operation. The small size of the owner structures in the canton of Argovia led to overlapping co-operation and mergers of enterprises very early on. Nevertheless, over the past ten years structural changes have accelerated; the number of enterprises with between 400 and 800 ha of forest and annual wood yields of between 4500 and 9000 m3 has more than doubled from 16 to 35 enterprises. In most cases cooperation is regulated by communal contracts but the socalled«interest alliances» (Zweckverbände) are possible as independent bodies under existing law. Using two examples we also present and discuss entrepreneurial, private sector solutions.
Ergebnisse und Trends der forstlichen Betriebsabrechnung im Kanton Aargau von 1991 bis 2002 | Results and trends of the forest accounts in the canton of Argovia 1991-2002
Authors: Steiner Ernst
Published: June 2007

In recent years public forest owners in the canton of Argovia have carried out considerable structural changes. The positive consequences to the accounts arising from these changes can be confirmed and documented using a number of various measurements from the forest accounts. Until 1999 the results of structural changes compensated for the decrease in wood revenues, even managing in some cases to move from loss to profit. The falls in profit following the catastrophic damage caused by the hurricane Lothar in December 1999 also meant falling accounts. Even in internationally comparable enterprise structures, the survival of forest enterprises is not assured at these low levels.

Against a background of, above all, falling subventions without corresponding compensation, further structural changes are unavoidable. Such changes, however, can only lead to success if value is added along the entire production chain and the branch of forest and wood management is able to compete internationally.
Aufgaben, Organisation und Entwicklung des Aargauischen Waldwirtschaftsverbandes | Tasks, mandate, organisation and development of the Forestry Association in the canton of Argovia
Authors: Kull Rudolf
Published: June 2007

Associations solve diverse, everyday tasks and problems, while where possible keeping the interests of their members, forest owners and their representatives in mind. Priorities are drawn up that benefit as many people as possible. The most important criterion is economic value, as the main source of income is wood yield. In addition, the Forestry Association puts its weight behind the remunerate of the function of the forest and tasks carried out by forest owners that serve the common good. A lot of background work is accomplished and important goals can be reached in small steps.
Wald und Natur im Kanton Aargau | Forest and nature in the canton of Argovia
Authors: Murri Marcel
Published: June 2007

Since the beginning of the 1990s the importance of nature protection in the forests of the canton of Argovia has increased. Since then, in collaboration with the Nature Protection Office and the Planning Department of the canton, the issue of forest nature protection has also been introduced at the levels of communal planning and implementation. On the basis of the Forest Nature Protection Inventory (WNI) the Forest Department has issued a cantonal nature protection strategy for the forest with the Forest Nature Protection Programme. The Upper Council (Grosse Rat) passed a multi-year programme in 1996 and granted the corresponding resources until 2001. The programme has since been extended to the end of 2007. Thanks to a successful collaboration between foresters and owners, 36 per cent of the long-term goals had been realised and contractually assured by the end of 2002.
Die Kartierung der Waldstandorte im Kanton Aargau | Mapping forest locations in the canton of Argovia
Authors: Stocker Richard , Dietiker Fabian
Published: June 2007

More than 40 years work has gone into the publication of a 230-page plant-sociological and site mapping survey in the canton of Argovia. The article reports on the genesis and contents of this work. The 87 forest types in the canton of Argovia that are included in the list are described and commented on. The publication is addressed, above all, to forestry specialists who need acurrate economic and ecological information in order to reach informed decisions on forest management. At the same time it provides an important basis for further policies concerning nature protection, planning and environmental issues.

The fourth, application-oriented part of the book is especially noteworthy. Current themes, such as nature-friendly silviculture,afforestation on storm-damaged sites, susceptibility of forest soil, nature protection, areas where oak is cultivated,etc., are addressed and practical measures formulated to help and support forest managers in the often difficult decisions that have to be taken.

The corresponding site maps are available in digital form and provide, together with the overview, an important basis for sustainable forest management.
Das Sachprogramm Auenschutzpark Aargau – eine Zwischenbilanz mit Beispielen realisierter Waldprojekte im Freiamt | Floodplain protection park in the canton of Argovia: An interim assessment using examples of realised forest projects in the district Freiamt
Authors: Dietiker Fabian , Jansen Erwin
Published: June 2007

Following the acceptance by the electorate of a cantonal inititative aimed at protecting these endangered areas (Auen-Schutzpark – für eine bedrohte Lebensgemeinschaft) optimal framework conditions were put into place in 1993 to protect the remaining floodplains in the canton of Argovia. The «floodplain protection park» programme was launched which addressed such issues as areas protection, restoration of remaining waterways, the realisation of re-naturalisation projects,as well as the creation and up-keep of a floodplain protection park. The first phase of the programme will be concluded at the end of 2003. An interim assessment, using Reusstal as an example, shows that most of the goals set out in the management mandate have been reached.
Eichen im Aargau – eine besondere Verantwortung für das Fricktal | Oak in the canton of Argovia – a special responsibility for the Fricktal
Authors: Steck Kurt
Published: June 2007

A targeted nurturing of oak in the canton of Argovia goes against the natural development of forest stands where the dominant, naturally occurring species is beech. Because of this,afforestation with oak is both work intensive and costly and is therefore concentrated on sites where silvicultural, economical and ecological aspects have been taken into account. With the help of a simple model showing areas where, above all,oak is nurtured, comprehensively mapped forest stands were classed according to competitiveness and correlated to thermal levels, that represent an important site factor for oak. One important aspect surrounding the issue is the preservation of genetic resources and an adequate supply of appropriate seed from chosen autochthonal, indigenous oak stands. In addition,the endangered population of middle spotted woodpecker,which is tied to widespread sites of aged oak-rich deciduous stands, should be fostered. Taking ecological priorities into account a possible area to nurture oak has been demarcated in the Fricktal.
Zwölf Jahre Geografisches Informationssystem im Bereich Wald – ein Erfahrungsbericht | Twelve years of a geographical forest information system - account of progress
Authors: Fassbind Stefan
Published: June 2007

The Forest Department of the canton of Argovia has been working with the Geographical Information System (GIS) since 1991. Apart from collecting the data, which uses the greater part of the resources, other areas have been developed (e.g.,mapping). A number of programmes have been developed that facilitates the user's access to the increasingly complex structure of the database. An efficient, canton-wide network with central data processing and decentralised responsibility for the up-dating of the data has fostered a lively use of data between specialist units. Using a number of case studies we show that the work of the Forest Department can no longer be imagined without GIS.
Zwischenevaluation des Wald-Wild-Management-Instruments (WWMI) im Pilotprogramm effor2 «Wald und Wild» | Preliminary evaluation of the Game-Forest-Management-Tool (GFMT) in the effor2 pilot programme «Game and Forest»
Authors: Eyholzer Roman , Baumann Martin , Manser Rolf
Published: June 2007

Faced with the challenging task of balancing forest interests and wildlife, the Swiss Forest Agency initiated the pilot programme«Game and Forest», which is committed to a philosophy of goal-oriented management practice and a redesign of forestry subsidizing. Within this programme the diverse goals of forestry and hunting have been amalgamated to a superimposed goal and set out in a corresponding contract. The Game-Forest-Management-Tool (GFMT) has been divised to simulate the effect of various strategies to deal with the complex problems of forest-wildlife. Optimal contract-fulfilling procedures can be simulated on a PC using this technical tool.

The efficiency of the measures suggested by simulations that were carried out are being tested in a study area within the pilot programme, «Game and Forest». Half way through this trial, after two years, we can say that there has been no significant increase of non-browsed areas. In 2004, after the collection of data for the entire study area, we will be able to tell whether applying this computer simulated strategy truly leads to an augmentation of non-browsed area and a decrease in bark-peeled forests in the pilot area.
Mehrstufige Verjüngungskontrollen und Grenzwerte für die Verbissintensität | Comparitive regeneration control and limiting value of browsing damage intensity
Authors: Rüegg Dani , Nigg Heinz
Published: June 2007

Storms such as Lothar often bring to light what has previously lain hidden in dark forests, thereby heightening our perception of problems in the realms of forest and game. Hunting and forestry measures can solve these problems and basic information is important in order to determine suitable measures. This is why regeneration control is called for after every storm to gather up-to-date information on forest regeneration and the influence of game. A collecting concept must include a supply of data from many levels.

In a first step, on the basis of a survey assessment, we ask whether the region under investigation is a problem area or not and regions are accordingly assigned to one of either category. In a second step, measurements are carried out on samples in chosen indicator areas. These indicator areas are between 30 and 50 ha and representative of the forest and game conditions of the whole. In this phase woodland plants are inventoried according to the vegetation period of the previous year and the dormant phase directly preceding the time of the survey in spring according to tree species, size and damage to crown shoots. In a third step, silvicultural reference plots of around 0.5-1.0 ha serve to evaluate the undertaken measures and to compare the silvicultural goals on the stand level. Silvicultural evaluation is best carried out for the proportion of tree species in increment and growth stages, as well as for the distribution of tree species over sylvicultural reference plots,although not for the number of stems, as fluctuation is high in natural regeneration.
Worum geht es in der Wald- und Forstgeschichte? | What is the object of forest and forestry history?
Authors: Hürlimann Katja
Published: June 2007

This text is concerned with the content focus of forest and forestry history, which we look at from three different perspectives. Starting with a few historiographical comments on the history of these subjects as scientific disciplines, we go on to reflect on their terms of reference and conclude with a description of their goals. As far as institutions are concerned, the teaching and research areas of «Forest and Forestry History»are attached to forest sciences today, but they were connected with the history of the universities from the very beginning. This co-operation led to methodological and theoretical innovations,as well as to an expansion of the content of forest and forestry history, ranging from the beginnings of modern forest economies at the end of the 18th century to the relationship between man and forest in all historical eras. It is therefore also part of environmental history, the central interest of which focuses on the interaction between human beings and the environment.
Historische Ökologie im und um den Wald | Historical ecology of forests
Authors: Bürgi Matthias
Published: June 2007

Historical ecology addresses the ecological consequences of historical changes in the relationship man-environment. In this paper we show how this interdisciplinary approach produces knowledge of theoretical and practical relevance. Examples are given from projects about the development of artificial regeneration practice in Canton Zurich, the ecological consequences of forest litter use, and the high mortality of Scots pine stands in Canton Valais.
Pflanzenphänologische Beobachtungen in Graubünden: Trends bei pflanzenphänologischen Zeitreihen | Phytophenological observations in the Grisons:Trends of phytophenological time series
Authors: Defila Claudio
Published: June 2007

Statistical analyses were carried out using data from 25 phenological observation stations in the Grisons and 17 chosen phenological phases between 1951 and 1998. Results show a wide scattering of phenological data depending on both time and location. The variation is attributable to climate differences in the different regions (Rheinbünden, Südbünden and Engadin), as well as differences of altitude (between 580 and 1805 m.a.s.l.) in the Canton. Trend analyses of 100 phenological time series during the period in question show, above all, a precocious tendancy in the Grisons. In contrast to the evaluation for the whole of Switzerland all phenophase species(including autumnal phases) show a precocious trend which reaches a peak at 22 days in full blossom. This early start of the vegetation period is cleary linked to climate change, as the start of phenological phases in spring are strongly influenced by temperature. Generally speaking, precocity in the Grisons is more accentuated than in the rest of Switzerland. This is a persuasive result in view of the fact that plants at the higher stations react more strongly to climate warming than those in the lowlands or in milder regions and many of the observation stations in the Grisons are situated at alpine altitudes, i.e., over 1000 m.a.s.l.
Einsatzmöglichkeiten von Holzwerkstoffen im Bauwesen | Possibilities of the use of wood-based materials in construction
Authors: Niemz Peter
Published: June 2007

Wood-based materials and wood products are becoming increasingly important in construction. Engineered wood products, especially, are being used as a substitute for solid wood. The use of thermally processed solid wood is also increasing. Following a general overview of materials (materials based on solid wood, or laminated, veneer and fibre products)we describe their composition and most important characteristics. Emphasis is given to new developments as, for example, laminated strand lumber (LSL), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and parallel strand lumber (parallam). We conclude with an overview of the possibilities for the use of woodbased materials in construction.
Über die mechanische Bedeutung der Holzstrahlen | The mechanical relevance of wood rays
Authors: Burgert Ingo
Published: June 2007

Three investigations into the mechanical relevance of wood rays were combined for this article. The main objective was to show, that, apart from physiological functions, rays also significantly influence the radial strength and stiffness of wood. In the first approach twelve deciduous tree species with various proportions of fractions of rays were examined for their transverse tensile strength and stiffness. The second approach was based on the comparison of the radial mechanical properties of wood with a very high proportion of fraction of rays and beech wood with a normal volume. In these two investigations the mechanical relevance of rays could only be deduced indirectly. By isolating big rays of beech and carrying out tensile tests on the tissue, we found direct evidence for the mechanical relevance. The results are discussed with regard to their biomechanical relevance. The importance of a radial reinforcement for the wood is underlined. Moreover, the principle of multi-functionality in nature is emphasized in keeping with a possible transfer of biological design to technical solutions.
Forstliche Planung – heute und morgen | Forestry planning: today and tomorrow
Authors: Bachmann Peter
Published: June 2007

Changing demands upon the forest and the poor financial situation of forest enterprises in Switzerland led to the development of a new forestry planning concept around fifteen years ago. This concept introduced a clear distinction between planning at the level of the authorities and planning at the level of the owners. At the level of the authorities, and in agreement with land use planning and with the participation of the population,the regional forest development plan defines objectives, priorities and controlling mechanisms with which to ensure both public interests and the management of the forest. At the level of owners elements of strategic management are instrumental and should no longer require permission from the authorities. The interconnection between the two levels of planning is regulated by agreements pertaining to goods and services, projects, contracts and, if need be, also to the authorization for harvesting.

The introduction of the regional forest development plan was a success. Such plans have either been implemented or are being elaborated or prepared for over 80% of Switzerland's forested areas. The use of management techniques for planning purposes at the enterprise level has only just started, but has a promising future. In order to deepen and enhance the effect of these new forestry-planning tools on the landscape as a whole, appropriate research and teaching is required in the future, which is not presently ensured at the ETH.
Warum planen wir im Wald? – Überlegungen aus der Sicht eines Forsthistorikers, eines kantonalen Planungsverantwortlichen und eines Betriebsleiters | Why do we need forest planning? Reflections from a historian, a Cantonal planning official and a manager of an enterprise
Authors: Lüscher Felix , Mohr Conradin , Rinderknecht Peter , Schuler Anton
Published: June 2007

Today's situation is marked by a growing complexity of the matter in hand and the increasing dynamics of change. Under these circumstances, planning – in a comprehensive sense to include shaping, steering and developing activities – is of central importance. Switzerland's planning concept comprises two different levels: global planning of larger areas serves to represent public interest and the level of the individual enterprise reflects the interests of the forest owners. We report the views of the head of the forestry planning unit of Canton Berne, as a public representative, and the head of forestry from the Oberallmeind corporation Canton Schwyz, as a representative of forest owners. The paper starts with a retrospective of forest history and investigates earlier reasons for forest planning.
Validierung des Waldwachstumsmodells MOSES für Schweizer Wälder | Validating the tree growth model MOSES for Swiss Forests (reviewed paper)
Authors: Hallenbarter Dionys , Hasenauer Hubert , Zingg Andreas
Published: June 2007

This work presents the results of a validation study using the forest growth simulation model MOSES 3.0 for Swiss forest conditions. During the latest parameterization of the model a large data set from Austria as well as Switzerland was used. The goal of this work was to validate the diameter and height increment functions using a large and independent data set (not used for model calibration) recorded on permanent sample plots in Switzerland. Tree growth was simulated over several growth periods and analyzed for a possible bias. The main results of this study suggest that no systematic discrepancies exist between the predicted and the observed diameter and height increment.
Überbetriebliche forstliche Planung in Norditalien – Folgerungen für die Schweiz | Global planning of forestry management in northern Italy: Consequences for Switzerland
Authors: Knauer Gerold
Published: June 2007

Interesting aspects of the global planning concept of forest enterprises,particularly in Italy, are found in areas concerned with basic values; the integration of agricultural planning and forest conservation. A centrally administered, forestry information system has been put into place in the region of Piedmont. The global planning of Lombardy and Piedmont is an excellent example of how agricultural planning can be integrated in forestry planning. In times when ecological systems are considered as a whole, sharp divisions between forestry and agricultural planning no longer make sense. The Italian planning concept, especially in peripheral regions, shows how the problems of a dynamic forest boundary and the requirements of nature and landscape protection can be solved more efficiently. With the implementation of the laws on forest conservation Italy is following new ways with a global management concept of forestry planning. The exploitation of Italy’s forests is naturally limited by national regulations on forest conservation and forest officials. Nonetheless, planning authorities in Lombardy and Venice have a certain amount of leeway to modify these regulations. This makes it possible to implement a flexible approach to forest conservation. The modifications has to be approved by the region, thus minimising the risk of abuse.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen zu verschiedenen Möglichkeiten der Vergütung von Holz gegenüber holzzerstörenden Pilzen: Teil 1: Pilzresistenz - ein Vergleich ausgewählter unkonventioneller Holzschutzverfahren mit handelsüblichen Holzschutzmitteln | Comparative examination of various possibilities of tempering wood to withstand destructive fungi. Part 1: Resistance to fungi: a comparison of a range of unconventional wood protective methods with commercially available products (reviewed paper)
Authors: Niemz Peter , Jakob Markus , Hurst Andreas , Heeb Markus
Published: June 2007

The tests showed that the unorthodox methods could be an alternative to the common treatments in some fields of application. Tests on the rate of fungal decay showed that some historical methods (boric acid, sodium carbonate,potash) perform quite well in unweathered condition, whereas weathered samples perform significantly worse. This is due to the fact that these preservation agents do not adhere to the wood, or do so only weakly. Weathering clearly shows the susceptibility of traditional methods due to leaching caused by the weather. We found great differences amongst standard products.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen zu verschiedenen Möglichkeiten der Vergütung von Holz gegenüber holzzerstörenden Pilzen: Teil 2: Diffusionswiderstand, Wasseraufnahme und Verhalten bei Freibewitterung | Comparative examination of various possibilities of tempering wood to withstand destructive fungi. Part 2: Vapour resistance, water absorption and effect of outdoor exposure (reviewed paper)
Authors: Niemz Peter , Jakob Markus , Hurst Andreas
Published: June 2007

Traditional, unconventional wood treatment methods were tested in comparison with commercially available wood protection products on thermically tempered spruce. Unconventional treatment methods were found to be no better regarding vapour resistance, water absorption or outdoor weathering.
Assessing the vertical distribution and visibility of rockfall scars in trees (reviewed paper)
Authors: Stoffel Markus
Published: June 2007

As rockfall consists of falling, bouncing or rolling rocks, impacts on trees occur almost anywhere between ground and several meters above. This paper therefore focuses on 307 discs from three trees to assess the vertical distribution and the visibility of scars on stem surfaces. Results show that scars can be observed at heights of up to nine meters and that signs of past rockfall activity are no longer visible in up to 49% of cases.
Intensität der Waldpflege und Baumartendiversität im Wald – oder: Naturautomation contra Entmischung | Intensity of tending and forest tree species diversity: Natural automation vs. outmixing
Authors: Schütz Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2007

This paper examines natural mixed regeneration development in a forest gap, which was established using the irregular group regeneration technique. This allowed mixture evolution and height growth at different light gradients to be compared over the whole phase up to the thicket stage. The study was carried out on site conditions with a full base saturation and a largely sufficient water regime, i.e. in geobotanic terms, a eutrophic beech forest. Results show that, starting from a heterogeneous mixture of spontaneously regenerated seedlings, a considerable reduction in tree species in the dominant storey layer took place over 15 years. The extent of outmixing differed depending on light conditions. It was also clear that intrinsic competitive effects led more to outmixing than previously thought. Ash dominated in the bright gap centre and not only outgrew, but also suppressed other species. Beech dominated along the edge of the patch and under the old stand's shelter. The light requirements, which favour beech or ash, are determined. The reasons for this outmixing are discussed, in particular why mountain maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) was unable to compete with ash. The maintaining of uncompetitive tree species and mixtures requires very intensive precocious tending operations at thicket stage. They cost a lot more than new opportunistic tending methods.
Phänologische Trends bei den Waldbäumen in der Schweiz | Phenological trends regarding the forest trees in Switzerland
Authors: Defila Claudio
Published: June 2007

Numerous publications are devoted to plant phenological trends of all trees, shrubs and herbs. In this work we focus on trees of the forest. We take into account the spring season (leaf and needle development) as well as the autumn (colour turning and shedding of leaves) for larch, spruce and beech, and,owing to the lack of further autumn phases, the horse chestnut. The proportion of significant trends is variable, depending on the phenological phase. The strongest trend to early arrival in spring was measured for needles of the larch for the period between 1951 and 2000 with over 20 days. The leaves of the horse chestnut show the earliest trend to turn colour in autumn. Beech leaves have also changed colour somewhat earlier over the past 50 years. The trend for shedding leaves, on the other hand, is slightly later. Regional differences were examined for the growth of needles in the larch where the weakest trends towards early growth are found in Canton Jura and the strongest on the southern side of the Alps. The warming of the climate strongly influences phenological arrival times. Trees in the forest react to this to in a similar way to other plants that have been observed (other trees, shrubs and herbs).
Die Waldzusammenlegungen im Thurgauer Privatwald – ein Rückblick | Forest regroupment in private forests in Canton Thurgovia: a retrospective survey
Authors: Bont Armin
Published: June 2007

In Canton Thurgovia 12 000 hectares or 56% of the forested area, is privately owned. Within the framework of a total regrouping policy the number of plots per owner has been reduced to one or two since 1945 comprising almost the entire area of privately owned forest. A ban on the splitting up of plots prevents them from being split up again. The consequences of annual contributions and meetings of the legal forestry authorities is that groups of inheritors (Erbengemeinschaften)are disentangled and outside owners sell to local individuals who are interested. Thanks to good forestry practice yield is high, in as far as the wood is used. Although much of the private forest in the fruitful central plains still need to be restored, the regrouping of the forest prescribed by the Swiss Forest Laws has been abolished and without anything else being put in place. Practical, legal rules are urgently needed to regulate regrouping in order to ensure a common management of the forest in question.
Integration of Human/Social Dimensions into the Traditional European Model of Natural Resource Education and Management
Authors: Kennedy James J. , Koch Niels Elers
Published: June 2007

The increasing diversity, complexity and dynamics of ecosystem values and uses over the last 50 years requires new ways for natural resource managers (foresters, wildlife biologists, etc.)to understand and relate to their professional roles and responsibilities in accommodating urban and rural ecosystem users, and managing the complimentary and conflicting interactions between them. Three stages in Western-world natural resources management are identified and analyzed, beginning with the (1) Traditional stage: natural resources first, foremost and forever, to (2) Transitional stage: natural resource management,for better or worse, involves people, to (3) Relationship stage: managing natural resources for valued people and ecosystem relationships. The impacts of these three perspectives on how natural resource managers view and respond to ecosystems,people and other life-forms is basic and can be profound.