News
02/01/2025 - New publication in Ecological Indicators
We are thrilled to announce that Shamim Ahmed has led a remarkable new publication in Ecological Indicators, titled: “Crown structure indicates tree secondary growth, competition legacy, and growth potential of dominant species in Europe.” This study explores the intricate relationship between tree crown structure and secondary growth patterns across six dominant European tree species, leveraging cutting-edge 3D terrestrial laser scanning and tree ring data. The research underscores the ecological and functional importance of crown architecture in understanding tree adaptation and guiding sustainable forest management. Shamim's work elegantly demonstrates the potential of non-destructive crown analysis to enhance growth models and tackle climate challenges, especially for species with stable growth strategies. These findings represent a significant step forward in forest ecology, paving the way for sustainable and precision forestry practices. Congratulations to Shamim on this outstanding achievement! Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113074
01/09/2024 - Start of the Tree Growth and Wood Physiology Group
The new Professorship of Tree Growth and Wood Physiology, effective from September 1st 2024, focuses on studying tree growth and their responses to climate change, from individual trees to entire forest stands. Our research aims to understand the mechanisms that govern tree and forest stand growth, as well as wood physiological processes, which are essential for explaining forest resilience to changing environmental conditions and their role in the global carbon budget. To advance this field, our research group employs a unique combination of innovative sensor technologies at the tree level with sub-hourly resolution, along with forest inventory data, tree ring analysis, and quantitative wood anatomy. Our findings will provide crucial insights for science-based forest management decisions and conservation actions, aimed at enhancing forest ecosystem resilience to climate change.