Infrastructure
At the Tree Growth and Wood Physiology Group, we develop and deploy advanced software, electronics, and sensors to automatically monitor tree growth under natural and experimental conditions. Our work heavily relies on the KROOF and NELDER research infrastructure, which is crucial for developing and testing these technologies. Moreover, we have established an advanced tree-ring laboratory and a specialized lab for producing state-of-the-art wood anatomical thin sections. These facilities are vital for understanding how trees allocate carbon into wood and how growth is influenced by environmental factors. Additionally, they play a key role in offering students hands-on experience with the latest research techniques. In addition, we closely cooperate with the Bavarian State Institute of Forestry (LWF) that maintains the Level II plots in Bavaria (Waldklimastationen), the Bavarian network of long-term growth and yield plots, and the Bavarian natural forest reserves.
Please contact Monika Bradatsch for obtaining more information on the lab facilities, sampling protocols, and general access regulations.
Tree ring laboratory
We have a dedicated laboratory for wood sample preparation and tree-ring measurements, equipped with state-of-the-art devices and computers for precise ring-width analysis. High-resolution images of wood cores can be captured with the Skippy system, allowing for easy archiving and analysis. These images can be processed using specialized software or artificial intelligence tools. For sample preparation, a Core-Microtome ensures clean surfaces for imaging, while a LIGNOSTATION is available for measuring tree-ring specific wood density. These tools are essential for obtaining robust inter-annual tree-ring data, which are critical for climate reconstructions and assessing tree growth sensitivity to climate change.
Wood anatomy laboratory
The wood anatomy lab, set to be established in 2025, will specialize in preparing thin sections of wood for anatomical research. This lab will be equipped with wood-tissue processors, a microtome for producing thin sections, and an embedding device to stabilize samples, particularly important for processing micro-cores used in monitoring wood formation. A rotary microtome will be available for creating these high-quality micro-sections, which can then be stained and permanently mounted on glass slides. Additionally, digital microscopes will enable high-resolution imaging of wood anatomical features, with further analysis supported by specialized software. All these tools will allow us to monitor the wood formation process and provide insights into how wood anatomical features relate to key ecophysiological processes.