Investigation of the ecological baseline information for a dynamic forest site classification in Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Burgenland

The lack of solid forest site classification maps in the provinces Burgenland, Upper Austria and Lower Austria makes a new approach for the site classification and mapping necessary. One challenge is the consideration of future changes according to the climate conditions, which will affect the classification of sites and the ecophysiological suitability of tree species. Within the framework of the FORSITE II project, a dynamic forest site type classification is therefore designed on the basis of a GIS based geo-ecological stratification model. Existing geodata (e.g. elevation model, geological base map), available site and climate data as well as new site and stand parameters are to be investigated for the site characterisation along with the classification of the geological substrate for the database. For the forest site type map, thematic maps for the climatic zone, water and nutrient balance are to be modelled first on the basis of the investigated data, which will then be combined into forest site types with a uniform factor combination. The model then allows a stratification of forest site types on all main sites on the basis of the digital available geo-ecological parameters derived from the data bases (including digital terrain model, substrate, metereological conditions,..). Each forest site type is depicted on a map at a scale of 1:25,000. Tree species suitability is derived based on water and nutrient supply as welll thermal conditions. In addition to the ecological characterisation, information on suitable tree species and site-specific hazards are described for each forest type. Possible treatment variants with regard to climate change are described separately by groups of forest site typs on the basis of previous experience with the existing tree species and their mixtures, and silvicultural recommendations are given for future stocking objectives and their management with regard to climate change.