In recent years, a large number of experimental tree plantations were established across the globe to form the global Tree Diversity Network (TreeDivNet). The experiments were all designed to test effect of the number of tree species (i.e. diversity) on the functioning of forests in the early stages of development. The network represents the largest research facility worldwide to study forest ecosystem functioning in plantations.

 

Until now, most large-scale tree planting are almost exclusively using only a handful of particular tree species planted in monocultures. However, the TreeDivNet experimental plantations have provided evidence that higher tree diversity can promote important ecosystem functions such as tree growth and resistance to disturbances. In order to provide this improved function, the species and management system needs to be carefully selected.

 

In the current context of climate change, biodiverse plantations preferably focus on species and species associations with high growth and carbon sequestration potential – i.e. climate change mitigation. Simultaneously, they need to be most resistant and resilient against the future impacts of climate change – i.e. adaptation. This is essentially a question of trade-offs and synergies for mitigation and adaptation when choosing between various tree species during afforestation, which has direct practical relevance for forest management.