Soil bulk density is a required variable for quantifying stocks of elements in soils and is therefore instrumental for the evaluation of land-use related climate change mitigation measures. Our ...motivation was to derive a set of pedotransfer functions for soil bulk densities usable to accommodate different levels of data availabilities. We derived sets of linear equations for bulk density that are appropriate for different forms of land-use. After introducing uncertainty factors for measured parameters, we ran the linear models repeatedly in a Monte Carlo simulation in order to test the impact of inaccuracy. The reliability of the models was evaluated by a cross-validation. The single best predictor of soil bulk density is the content of soil organic carbon, yielding estimates with an adjusted R
of approximately 0.5. A slight improvement of the estimate is possible when additionally, soil texture and soil depth are known. Residual analysis advocated the derivation of land-use specific models. Using transformed variables and assessing land-use specific pedotransfer functions, the determination coefficient (adjusted R
) of the multiple linear models ranged from 0.43 in cropland up to 0.65 for grassland soils. Compared to pedotransfer function, from the literature, the performance of the linear modes were similar but more accurate. Taking into account the likely inaccuracies when measuring soil organic carbon, the soil bulk density can be estimated with an accuracy of +/− 9 to 25% depending on land-use. We recommend measuring soil bulk density by standardized sampling of undisturbed soil cores, followed by post-processing of the samples in the lab by internationally harmonized protocols. Our pedotransfer functions are accurately and transparently presented, and derived from well-documented and high-quality soil data sets. We therefore consider them particularly useful in Austria, where the measured values for soil bulk densities are not available.
A change in tree species composition in Central Europe to increase the resilience of forests when coping with climate change effects is imminent. We evaluated the present and expected future role of ...the European beech, (Fagus sylvatica L.), with respect to the expansion of its habitat and its stem. We assessed the current relevance of beech from data of the Austrian Forest Inventory 2007/09, and analyzed forest policies promoting the establishment of beech forests. We simulated forest growth with the model CALDIS, linked with the timber-market model FOHOW2. We used a business-as-usual (BAU) forest management strategy under moderate (RCP 4.5 BAU) or extreme (RCP 8.5 BAU) climate change. We also simulated an extreme climate change scenario with a forced change in the tree species composition (RCP 8.5 Change Species). Beech occurs in Austrian forests over the elevational gradient of 250 to 1600 m a.s.l. In low elevation, it forms beech-dominated forests, often for the supply of the domestic fuelwood demand. In mountain regions, beech enriches the diversity of Norway spruce, (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.)-dominated forests. In a BAU setting, the habitat of beech increases only slightly in both climate scenarios. The scenario ‘RCP 8.5 Change Species’ increases the habitat of beech in the next 60 years considerably. With progressing warming, other broadleaved tree species gain relevance. The vulnerability to drought and pathogens are limiting factors for Austrian beech forests. The future habitat depends on many factors such as the ability of forests to cope with climate change, the confidence to arising market opportunities of beech timber in the wake of technological progress, and financial and non-financial incentives for the implementation of adaptive forest management.
Climate change requires forest managers to explore new concepts in reforestation. High-elevation sites are posing challenges because the range of tree species that can cope with present and future ...conditions is small and limited experience with candidate species is available. Methods: We selected a mountain site with nutrient-poor silicatic soils. The previous Norway spruce (Picea abies) stand performed poorly. We established a reforestation experiment with 27 tree species that were planted in different combinations in order to evaluate silvicultural options. Site preparation activities and planting techniques reflected the locally applied regular procedures. After planting, we monitored height growth and phenological characteristics of needle/leaf development in spring. The presently dominant Norway spruce was genetically characterized. Results: Tree seedlings planted at high elevation are highly vulnerable. The temporal course of needle/leaf sprouting varies widely. Early developers are vulnerable to frost, impairing tree development. Biotic stressors such as high population densities of weevils or mice can cause high mortality. Conclusion: we suggest a conservative approach to tree species selection because present site conditions in mountain areas may impair the development of many tree species that could be viable options in a considerably warmer climate.
We have analyzed the loss of agricultural land in a case study of the community Eggelsberg in the Innviertel in Upper Austria. The trigger for the project was the attribution of Austria as Europe’s ...leader in soil sealing. We compared the results of the Austrian agricultural soil survey of the 1970s with the actual land use and quantified the land use change. Within half a century, 15% of the agricultural area was converted to settlement area or to other forms of infrastructure. According to the original soil assessment, 96 ha of high-quality cropland, 1,220 ha of medium-quality cropland, 121 ha of low-quality cropland, and 409 ha of grassland were converted. The forest cover remained stable. The highest share of soil sealing was owed to the expansion of the settlement area and the construction of a successful enterprise. Minor contributions were expansions of farm buildings. The loss of agricultural land was reasonable and reflected the needs of the local population. A special protection status because of the future relevance of the agricultural land was not communicated to land managers and is not reflected in the market prices of agricultural products. The relevance of the agricultural land beyond the regional level is not fully recognized.
Die Klimakrise und Landnutzung sind eng miteinander verwoben und betrifft uns alle. Die Landnutzung bietet aber ein großes PotenTial zur Bewältigung der Klimakrise. Wie können diese PotenTiale im ...Sinne einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung genutzt werden, die ganzheitlich die gesellschaftlichen und natürlichen Dimensionen berücksichtigt? Dies ist ein Open-Access-Buch. Landökosysteme erbringen verschiedene unersetzbare Ökosystemleistungen für die Gesellschaft, wie etwa Nahrungsmittel oder Schutz vor Naturgefahren. Sie können eine hohe Artenvielfalt haben, sie absorbieren und speichern Kohlenstoff und bilden die Grundlage für wirtschaftliche Aktivitäten. Die Landnutzung erhöht die Erbringung mancher Ökosystemleistungen auf Kosten anderer und birgt daher Zielkonflikte. Die landbasierte Produktion, die Produktverarbeitung und der Konsum verursachen Treibhausgasemissionen und Biodiversitätsverluste. Der Klimawandel und die gewählten Anpassungsmaßnahmen verschärfen die Konfliktpotentiale. Es bedarf wissensbasierter und gesellschaftlich akzeptierter politischer Entscheidungen, um die vorhandenen Synergien verschiedener Landnutzungsformen zu nutzen und auszubauen, und gleichzeitig Zielkonflikte und unerwünschte Effekte zu minimieren. Der APCC Special Report: Landnutzung und Klimawandel in Österreich wurde im Bewusstsein der Verflechtungen der Klima- und der Biodiversitätskrise mit geopolitischen Änderungen verfasst. Er dient der Zusammenfassung und Bewertung des gegenwärtigen Wissens zum Thema Landnutzung und Klimawandel und deren Verflechtungen. Es werden die Handlungsoptionen der Anpassung und der Minderung des Klimawandels unter Berücksichtigung von Produktion, gesellschaftlichen Ansprüchen, rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen und dem Konsumverhalten vorgestellt und bewertet. Der Bericht gliedert sich in acht thematische Kapitel und eine Synopsis. Eine technische Zusammenfassung enthält die Kernbotschaften der Kapitel, und die Zusammenfassung für politische Entscheidungsträger bringt die Aussagen des Berichtes in knapper Form zur Kenntnis. Im APCC Special Report kommen 130 Autoren aus vielen wissenschaftlichen Disziplinen zu Wort. Der Bericht wurde in einem offenen und transparenten Begutachtungsprozess von mehr als 50 Personen und Stakeholdern kommentiert.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are closely linked to agricultural fertilisation. European and national policy incentives have been set to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; however, only a few ...evaluations have been conducted. Avoiding such emissions is an important climate change mitigation measure, but it is still uncertain which management measures over a long‐term, best out‐balance crop yield and GHG balances in agricultural systems. We here used the process‐based LandscapeDNDC model to simulate N2O emissions and trade‐offs in yield and soil nitrogen budget for four alternative arable cropping systems in three Austrian agricultural production zones belonging to different climatic regions. We evaluated statistical data on crop rotations and management practices, predominant soil types, and 10‐year daily weather conditions for four cropping systems: (1) conventional farming receiving the maximum allowed nitrogen fertilisation rate (Nmax), (2) conventional farming receiving 15% less fertiliser, (3) conventional farming receiving 25% less fertiliser, and (4) organic farming. Our results showed that soil N2O emissions could be best reduced in wet, high‐yield regions. Reducing nitrogen fertilisation by 15% and 25% mitigated N2O emissions by, on average, 22% and 39%, respectively, while the yield was reduced by 5% and 9%, respectively. In comparison, the same crops grown in the organic cropping system released 60% less N2O, but yield declined on average by 23%. Corn, winter barley, and vegetables showed the highest N2O reduction potential under reduced fertiliser input in conventional farming. In addition to N2O emissions, reduced fertilisation substantially decreased other nitrogen losses into the water and atmosphere. Generally, the soils under all cropping systems maintained a positive mean nitrogen budget. Our results suggest a significant emission reduction potential in certain production zones which, however, were accompanied by yield reductions. Knowledge of the emission patterns from cropping systems under different environmental conditions is essential to set the appropriate measures. In addition, region‐specific measures to reduce soil N2O emissions have to be in line with farmers' interests in order to facilitate the successful implementation of targeted nitrogen management.
•We provide comprehensive data of SOC for managed land use in Austria.•SOC densities are highest in peatlands forests, and partially in grasslands.•Cropland soils are already managed to conserve the ...SOC stock.•The data serve as reference for the effect of future land management concepts.•Efforts to increase the SOC stocks are hampered by soil sealing.
We compiled information from different sources in order to establish a comprehensive map of the stock of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the upper 30 cm under different forms of land use for Austria. The information serves as a baseline for the evaluation of the potential of climate-change mitigation measures. SOC sequestration plays an important role in the discussion of terrestrial carbon (C) sinks and the size of the SOC pool is one of several quality measures for crop production and the national and regional food security. The baseline serves also for the evaluation of the effectiveness of adaptive land management in order to cope with climate change. Austrian croplands, grasslands, forests, and settlements contain 300 Mt SOC. Peatlands have the highest SOC density (220 t C/ha), yet cover only about 2% of the country. Forest soils store 106 t C/ha and comprise the largest pool due to the coverage of more than 4 Mha (48% of the country). Intensively and extensively managed grasslands cover 0.8 Mha (10%) and contain between 91 and 113 t C/ha, and cropland on 1.28 Mha (15%) hold on average 62 t C/ha. Due to the geographic heterogeneity of Austria with respect to climatic conditions, geology and soils, and topography the regional differences in SOC stocks are large. Measures to increase the SOC stock in cropland have been applied for 25 years within agri-environmental and climate-smart strategies. An increase of the total SOC pool is expected due to the afforestation and reforestation of marginal agricultural land and to a smaller extent due to the restoration of peatlands. A decline of the SOC stock is a consequence of land development for settlements and infrastructure.
In Europe, private forest owners play an important role in achieving sustainability goals, such as those set by the European Green Deal. Efficient communication and coordination with these actors is ...therefore central. However, ongoing structural changes in forest ownership have in many cases silenced traditional communication channels, especially those involving owners of small forests. Their economic performance is often negligible at an individual level, yet collectively their forests play a pivotal role in a context of increasing demand for wood products. In this article, we analyse and compare forest campaigns in nine European countries. Specifically, we assess one-way and two-way communication models applying different techniques to engage (non-traditional) forest owners. Our analysis of 34 campaigns shows that (i) one-way communication models are still more widely used in the forest sector to engage non-traditional forest owners than two-way communication models; (ii) one-way communication aims at informing and is effective for short-term awareness raising, while two-way communication aims at persuading and is essential to trigger forest management activities over the long-term, (iii) interactive learning tools can play a crucial role for reaching and engaging (non-traditional) forest owners. We further conclude that campaigns could be improved by having 1) joint campaigns with public and private actors, 2) convincing narratives developed based on a good understanding of forest owners' motivations, 3) adapting the timing of campaigns to windows of opportunities and 4) developing intermediary associations (e.g. non-traditional forest owner associations) as connectors and trust builders between different actors as they play a crucial role in providing information to forest owners and supporting their engagement.
•One-way communication models are still more widespread in the forest sector than two-way models.•One-way communication aims at informing while two-way communication aims at persuading to trigger FM activities.•Interactive learning tools can play a crucial role for engaging (non-traditional) forest owners.•Joint campaigns (public and private actors) could be more efficient than single campaigns.•Connectors and trust builders are crucial to engage Non-Traditional Forest Owners in active forest management.
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