| For the sustainable provision of the renewable raw material wood, the mechanization of forest management is of great importance. It is important that the technology is adapted to ecological framework conditions. The particularly productive, often ‘heavy’ soils of the flysch and molasse zone are susceptible to compaction and therefore represent a challenge for mechanization. Within the project, comparative studies on the effects of different timber harvesting systems on forest functions or ecosystem services are conducted. In the present report the results of the comparative empirical investigations on harvesting effects on the remaining stands, hydrology at different scales, soil structure, soil as habitat, nutrient balance and greenhouse gas fluxes are presented. Furthermore, the publicity activities already carried out are presented. |