"MEDGROW" Ein Simulationsmodell zur Analyse von Vegetationsdynamik in mediterranen Ökosystemen

Substantial changes in the Iandscape structure of the Mediterranean region have led to extensive forest development and bush encroachment. Rural desertification and the abandonment of traditional agriculture are two well-documented causes of these changes in culturallandscape. Although these developments have often provoked discussions about their ecological consequences, most scientific analyses have focussed on the impact on regional biodiversity. In contrast, the growth dynamics of such bush encroachment processes have received little attention - mainly because, until now, there was only very limited knowledge about the growth functions of the involved species of Mediterranean trees. Aiming to overcome this deficit, MEDGROW was developed as a deterministic grid- and compartment- based simulation program. Specific growth response functions used in MEDGROW Simulations derive from an empirical database established in the author's own field studies. MEDGROW can be used to model individual tree growth under given geographical and climatic circumstances, with additional provisions to incorporate perturbation parameters such as fire events or forest cultivation. ... mehrInitial simulation runs have yielded prornising results, successfully modelling vegetation dynamics in the Nîmes (Dept. Gard) region in southem France.