Abstract
Some basic principles of a forest ecosystem are given. From these, changes in the forests are discussed both in a geological time perspective and, in a more recent perspective, as a consequence of the present forest management and air pollution situation.
In particular, recent soil acidification and its consequence for the nutrition of trees and forest growth is discussed. Ongoing changes of flora and fauna in Southern Swedish forests are also discussed.
The need to be able to predict future changes is mentioned. In order to maintain a sustainable future for the forests, regulations must be introduced. For pollution, the concepts of critical levels and critical loads are presented. The future utilization of the forests as a natural resource in industrialized as well as developing countries will require broader planning than ever before by taking into account the different values of the forest ecosystem
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© 1991 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd
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Andersson, F.O. (1991). Understanding the Forest Ecosystem — a Prerequisite for Survival. In: Hansen, J.A. (eds) Environmental Concerns. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2904-6_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-2904-6_9
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