@misc{CarlBiberVesteetal., author = {Carl, Christin and Biber, Peter and Veste, Maik and Landgraf, Dirk and Pretzsch, Hans}, title = {Key drivers of competition and growth partitioning among Robinia pseudoacacia L. trees}, series = {Forest Ecology and Management}, volume = {430}, journal = {Forest Ecology and Management}, issn = {0378-1127}, doi = {10.1016/j.foreco.2018.08.002}, pages = {86 -- 93}, abstract = {Competition for above- and below-ground resources depends on their availability and results in varied growth partitioning. This becomes clear as the supply and limitation of the main resources influence the slope of the size-growth relationship in stands. Nevertheless, growth partitioning among trees, especially among black locust (R. pseudoacacia) trees is not understood in sufficient detail. To scrutinize and estimate the mode of competition of R. pseudoacacia, this research analyzed 1333 trees in Germany in 10 study sites, consisting in total 27 sample plots, with similar climate but varying soil conditions. The stand age ranged from 2 to 32 years, with a diameter at breast height ranging from 0.6 to 29.1 cm. The main focus of the study was to evaluate the impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, and water supply on the competition mode of R. pseudoacacia by varying growth partitioning. We applied the size-growth relationship in a mixed-effects model with a random intercept and slope. Fixed effects were the basal area, phosphorus, water, the sunlight competition index, and the interactions between below- and above-ground resources. Site specific effects of the analyzed stands were quantified with the aid of the random effects. Depending on the supply and limitation of phosphorus and water, this study determined how the competition mode as well as the growth partitioning among R. pseudoacacia trees were influenced. Hence, if phosphorus and water availability increased, then the competition for above-ground resources (primarily sunlight) and the slope of the size-growth relationship increased. Large trees grew disproportionately more than smaller trees. If the available phosphorus and water decreased, then the competition for the below-ground resources increased and the slope of the size-growth relationship decreased - to be more flattened. Moreover, it was found that available nitrogen as a below-ground resource had no influence on the mode of competition. In summary, phosphorus was the most important nutrient and, together with water, was the main driver of growth partitioning among R. pseudoacacia trees.}, language = {en} } @misc{FischerVeste, author = {Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik}, title = {Carbon cycling of biological soil crusts mirrors ecological maturity along a Central European inland dune catena}, series = {Catena}, volume = {160}, journal = {Catena}, issn = {0341-8162}, doi = {10.1016/j.catena.2017.09.004}, pages = {68 -- 75}, abstract = {Photosynthesis and respiration of biological soil crusts (BSCs) sampled along a mobile inland dune catena were determined to evaluate the applicability of Odum's P/R ratio, determined under controlled conditions, for estimation of ecosystem maturity. The theory is that in the early stages of ecological succession, the total photosynthesis (P) exceeds the rate of community respiration (R), so that the P/R ratio is greater than 1, and that P/R approaches 1 as succession occurs. In the special case of organic pollution, the P/R ratio is typically less than 1. Samples were collected in the deflation zone of the dune near the crest (BSC1, thickness 2-3 mm), at the lee side of grass tussocks at the slope (BSC2, thickness 2-4 mm) and near the base (BSC3, thickness 4-6 mm). Non crusted sand was used as control (BSC0). Photosynthesis, respiration, crust biomass, as well as fossil and allochthonous pedogenic carbon entering the system with mineral substrate were determined. The respiration of the BSC1 was dominated by the degradation of allochthonous organic matter, leading to a diminished P/R ratio. The better developed BSC2 and BSC3 were less influenced by allochthonous organic matter, where BSC maturity increased downslope with biomass increase. No significant relation between the P/R ratio and soil water tension was found. Crust carbon pools increased and flows intensified, but mineralization constants decreased with system maturation. It was concluded that Odum's P/R ratio and accumulation of recalcitrant to biodegradation organic matter are indicative for biocrust maturity.}, language = {en} } @misc{SesermanPohleVesteetal., author = {Seserman, Diana-Maria and Pohle, Ina and Veste, Maik and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Simulating Climate Change Impacts on Hybrid-Poplar and Black Locust Short Rotation Coppices}, series = {Forestry}, volume = {9}, journal = {Forestry}, number = {7}, issn = {1464-3626}, doi = {10.3390/f9070419}, pages = {25}, abstract = {In Brandenburg, north-eastern Germany, climate change is associated with increasing annual temperatures and decreasing summer precipitation. Appraising short rotation coppices (SRCs), given their long-time planning horizon demands for systematic assessments of woody biomass production under a considerable spectrum of climate change prospects. This paper investigates the prospective growth sensitivity of poplar and black locust SRCs, established in Brandenburg to a variety of weather conditions and long-term climate change, from 2015 to 2054, by a combined experimental and simulation study. The analysis employed (i) a biophysical, process-based model to simulate the daily tree growth and (ii) 100 realisations of the statistical regional climate model STAR 2K. In the last growing period, the simulations showed that the assumed climate change could lead to a decrease in the woody biomass of about 5 Mg ha -1 (18\%) for poplar and a decrease of about 1.7 Mg ha -1 (11\%) for black locust trees with respect to the median observed in the reference period. The findings corroborate the potential tree growth vulnerability to prospective climatic changes, particularly to changes in water availability and underline the importance of coping management strategies in SRCs for forthcoming risk assessments and adaptation scenarios.}, language = {en} } @misc{MatosFreeseSlazaketal., author = {Matos, Eduardo da Silva and Freese, Dirk and Slazak, Anna and Bachmann, Ute and Veste, Maik and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Organic-carbon and nitrogen stocks and organic-carbon fractions in soils under mixed pine and oak forest stands of different ages in NE Germany}, series = {Journal of plant nutrition and soil science}, volume = {173}, journal = {Journal of plant nutrition and soil science}, number = {5}, issn = {1522-2624}, pages = {654 -- 661}, language = {en} } @misc{FischerVesteEiseleetal., author = {Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Eisele, Andreas and Bens, Oliver and Spyra, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Small Scale Spatial Heterogeneity of Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) and Hot Spots of Photosynthesis in Biological Soil Crusts}, series = {Flora}, volume = {207}, journal = {Flora}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1016/j.flora.2012.01.001}, pages = {159 -- 167}, abstract = {Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVIs) are typically determined using satellite or airborne remote sensing, or field portable spectrometers, which give an averaged signal on centimetre to metre scale plots. Biological soil crust (BSC) patches may have smaller sizes, and ecophysiological, hydrological as well as pedological processes may be heterogeneously distributed within this level of resolution. A ground-based NDVI imaging procedure using low-cost equipment (Olympus Camedia 5000z digital camera equipped with a Hoya R72 infrared filter) was developed in this study to fill this gap at the level of field research, where carrying costly and bulky equipment to remote locations is often the limiting factor for data collection. Method principle and field data are presented, and the field experiment was deepened comparing NDVI measurements and CO2 turnover of soil crust samples in the laboratory, backing the reliability of the approach. A commercially available colour rendition chart with known red (600-700 nm) and NIR (800-900 nm) reflectances was placed into each scene and used for calibration purposes on a per-image basis. Generation of NDVI images involved (i) determination of red and NIR reflectances from the pixel values of the red and NIR channels, respectively, and (ii) calculation and imaging of the NDVI, where NDVI values of -1 to +1 were mapped to grey values of 0 to 255. The correlation between NDVI values retrieved from these images and NDVI values determined using field spectrometry was close (r2 = 0.91), the 95\% confidence interval amounted to 0.10 NDVI units. The pixel resolution was 0.8 mm in the field and 0.2 mm in the laboratory, but can still be improved significantly with closer distance to the crust or with higher camera resolution. NDVI values obtained using the new method were related to the net CO2 uptake of BSCs, where both slope and correlation coefficient of the respective regression function conformed with literature data. Geostatistical analysis revealed that both spatial variability of net CO2 uptake as well as size of individual hot spots of this parameter increased with crust development. The latter never exceeded 4 mm in the investigated crusts, which points to the necessity of high resolution imaging for linking remote sensing with ecophysiology. Perspectively, the new method could be used for field monitoring of both biological soil crusts and vascular vegetation.}, language = {en} } @misc{FischerVesteSchaafetal., author = {Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Schaaf, Wolfgang and D{\"u}mig, Alexander and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Wiehe, Wolfgang and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Initial pedogenesis in a topsoil crust 3 years after construction of an artificial water catchment in Brandenburg, NE Germany}, series = {Biogeochemistry}, volume = {101}, journal = {Biogeochemistry}, number = {1-3}, issn = {1573-515X}, doi = {10.1007/s10533-010-9464-z}, pages = {165 -- 176}, abstract = {Cyanobacteria and green algae present in biological soil crusts are able to colonize mineral substrates even under extreme environmental conditions. As pioneer organisms, they play a key role during the first phases of habitat colonization. A characteristic crust was sampled 3 years after installation of the artificial water catchment "Chicken creek", thus representing an early successional stage of ecosystem development. Mean annual rainfall and temperature were 559 mm and 9.3°C, respectively. We combined scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) and infrared (FTIR) microscopy to study the contact zone of algal and cyanobacterial mucilage with soil minerals in an undisturbed biological soil crust and in the subjacent sandy substrate. The crust was characterized by an approximately 50 μm thick surface layer, where microorganisms resided and where mineral deposition was trapped, and by an approximately 2.5 mm thick lower crust where mineral particles were stabilized by organo-mineral structures. SEM/EDX microscopy was used to determine the spatial distribution of elements, organic compounds and minerals were identified using FTIR microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The concentration of organic carbon in the crust was about twice as much as in the parent material. Depletion of Fe, Al and Mn in the lower crust and in the subjacent 5 mm compared to the geological substrate was observed. This could be interpreted as the initial phase of podzolization. Existence of bridging structures between mineral particles of the lower crust, containing phyllosilicates, Fe compounds and organic matter (OM), may indicate the formation of organo-mineral associations. pH decreased from 8.1 in the original substrate to 5.1 on the crust surface 3 years after construction, pointing to rapid weathering of carbonates. Weathering of silicates could not be detected.}, language = {en} } @misc{VesteDominikDimitrovetal., author = {Veste, Maik and Dominik, R. and Dimitrov, M. and Fischer, Annette and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Novel drone-based system for ecosystem monitoring - application, analysis and interpretation}, series = {EURECO-GFOE 2008, Proceedings}, journal = {EURECO-GFOE 2008, Proceedings}, editor = {Stadler, Jutta and Sch{\"o}ppe, Felix and Frenzel, Mark}, publisher = {Gesellschaft f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-00-025522-9}, pages = {S. 809}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GerwinSchaafVesteetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Veste, Maik and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek' ('H{\"u}hnerwasser') as a tool for understanding the interactions of processes and structures of initial ecosystem development}, series = {6th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour BIOGEOMON 2009}, booktitle = {6th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour BIOGEOMON 2009}, editor = {Ukonmaanaho, Liisa and Nieminen, Tiina Maileena and Starr, Michael}, publisher = {Finnish Forest Research Institute}, address = {Vantaa, Finland}, isbn = {978-951-40-2177-0}, pages = {S. 332}, language = {en} } @incollection{DillyNiiAnnangSchrautzeretal., author = {Dilly, Oliver and Nii-Annang, Seth and Schrautzer, J. and Schwartze, P. and Breuer, P. and Pfeiffer, Eva-Maria and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Freese, Dirk and Veste, Maik and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Ecosystem Manipulation and Restoration on the Basis of Long-Term Conceptions}, series = {Long-Term Ecological Research Between Theory and Application}, booktitle = {Long-Term Ecological Research Between Theory and Application}, editor = {M{\"u}ller, Felix and Baessler, Cornelia and Schubert, Hendrik and Klotz, Stefan}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, isbn = {978-90-481-8781-2}, pages = {411 -- 428}, language = {en} } @incollection{VesteSheppardAbdulaietal., author = {Veste, Maik and Sheppard, Jonathan P. and Abdulai, Issaka and Ayisi, Kwabena K. and Borrass, Lars and Chirwa, Paxie W. and Funk, Roger}, title = {The Need for Sustainable Agricultural Land-Use Systems: Benefits from Integrated Agroforestry Systems}, series = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, booktitle = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, editor = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Viehberg, Finn A. and Veste, Maik}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-10947-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-10948-5_21}, pages = {587 -- 623}, abstract = {This chapter introduces the different agroforestry systems (AFSs) as part of the diversification of agricultural landscapes and gives examples of their use in different related crop production systems in southern Africa. The introduction of trees into agriculture has several benefits and can mitigate the effects of climate change. For example nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs contribute significantly to nutrient recycling and benefit soil conservation, which is particularly important for smallholder farms. In addition, shelterbelts play an important role in reducing wind speeds, and thus, evapotranspiration, and modifying the microclimatic conditions, which is an important factor for the adaptation of cropping systems to climate change. These integrated AFS landscapes provide important ecosystem services for soil protection, food security and for biodiversity. However, deficiencies in the institutional and policy frameworks that underlie the adoption and stimulus of AFS in the southern African region were identified. Furthermore, the following factors must be considered to optimise AFS: (1) selection of tree species that ensure maximum residual soil fertility beyond 3 years, (2) size of land owned by the farmer, (3) integrated nutrition management, where organic resources are combined with synthetic inorganic fertilisers and (4) tree-crop competition in the root zone for water.}, language = {en} } @incollection{RoetterNkomoMeyerzuDreweretal., author = {R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Nkomo, Mandla and Meyer zu Drewer, Johannes and Veste, Maik}, title = {Agricultural Land-Use Systems and Management Challenges}, series = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, booktitle = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, editor = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and Viehberg, Finn A. and Veste, Maik}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-10947-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-10948-5_20}, pages = {551 -- 586}, abstract = {This chapter aims at providing an overview of the diversity of agroecological conditions, features of main farming systems, agricultural land use, its dynamics and drivers during the last two decades as well as major threats in ten countries of southern Africa (SA10). Based on this, we attempt to identify the resultant challenges for sustainable land management and outline potential interventions with a focus on smallholder farmers. By analyzing cropland dynamics during 2000-2019, we show how land use has been shaped by climate, demographic development, economic imperatives and policy realities. Concrete examples of these complex interactions illustrate both considerable shrinkage in South Africa and Zimbabwe or expansion of cropland in Mozambique and Zambia. During the past 20 years, cropland increased by 37\% on average across SA10 mainly at the expense of forestland—showing huge spatiotemporal heterogeneity among countries. Most smallholders face shrinking farm size and other resource limitations that have resulted in soil nutrient mining and low agricultural productivity—a highly unsustainable situation. We conclude with an outlook on potential transformation pathways ("TechnoGarden" and "AdaptiveMosaic") for the near future and thereby provide a frame for further studies on sustainable land management options under given local settings.}, language = {en} } @incollection{MaltitzBieriMidgleyetal., author = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Bieri, Mari and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Veste, Maik}, title = {Coupled Earth System and Human Processes: An Introduction to SPACES and the Book}, series = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, booktitle = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, editor = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Viehberg, Finn A. and Veste, Maik}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-10947-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-10948-5}, pages = {3 -- 21}, abstract = {Ecosystems in southern Africa are threatened by numerous global change forces, with climate change being a major threat to the region. Many climate change impacts and environmental-based mitigation and adaptation options remain poorly researched in this globally important biodiversity hotspot. This book is a collection of chapters covering research undertaken in southern Africa by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's (BMBF) SPACES and SPACES II programs. SPACES II covered a wide range of global change-linked environmental issues ranging in scope from the impacts of ocean currents on global climate systems through to understanding how small-scale farmers may best adapt to the impacts of climate change. All the research has identified policy implications, and the book strives for a balance between presenting the detailed science underpinning the conclusions as well as providing clear and simple policy messages. To achieve this, many chapters in the book contextualize the issues through the provision of a mini-review and combine this with the latest science emulating out of the SPACES II program of research. The book therefore consolidated both past and the most current research findings in a way that will be of benefit to both academia and policy makers.}, language = {en} } @incollection{MaltitzMidgleyVeitchetal., author = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Rixen, Tim and Brandt, Peter and Veste, Maik}, title = {Synthesis and Outlook on Future Research and Scientific Education in Southern Africa}, series = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, booktitle = {Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change}, editor = {Maltitz, Graham P. von and Midgley, Guy F. and Veitch, Jennifer and Br{\"u}mmer, Christian and R{\"o}tter, Reimund P. and Viehberg, Finn A. and Veste, Maik}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-10947-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-10948-5_32}, pages = {933 -- 964}, abstract = {The sustainability of southern Africa's natural and managed marine and terrestrial ecosystems is threatened by overuse, mismanagement, population pressures, degradation, and climate change. Counteracting unsustainable development requires a deep understanding of earth system processes and how these are affected by ongoing and anticipated global changes. This information must be translated into practical policy and management interventions. Climate models project that the rate of terrestrial warming in southern Africa is above the global terrestrial average. Moreover, most of the region will become drier. Already there is evidence that climate change is disrupting ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services. This is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, but impacts can be partly mitigated through urgent implementation of appropriate policy and management interventions to enhance resilience and sustainability of the ecosystems. The recommendations presented in the previous chapters are informed by a deepened scientific understanding of the relevant earth system processes, but also identify research and knowledge gaps. Ongoing disciplinary research remains critical, but needs to be complemented with cross-disciplinary and transdisciplinary research that can integrate across temporal and spatial scales to give a fuller understanding of not only individual components of the complex earth-system, but how they interact.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{VesteBoehmQuinkensteinetal., author = {Veste, Maik and B{\"o}hm, Christian and Quinkenstein, Ansgar and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by Robinia pseudoacacia L. in short-rotation plantations on post-mining sites in Lower Lusatia (Brandenburg, NE Germany)}, series = {Book of abstracts, The Future of Biodiversity: Genes, Species, Ecosystems}, booktitle = {Book of abstracts, The Future of Biodiversity: Genes, Species, Ecosystems}, editor = {Wolters, Volkmar and Groh, J. and Peter, F. and Waldhardt, R.}, publisher = {Gf{\"O}}, address = {Berlin}, pages = {S. 313}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MantovaniVesteFreese, author = {Mantovani, Dario and Veste, Maik and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Biomass production and water use of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) for short-rotation plantation}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @misc{VesteGreyGottschalketal., author = {Veste, Maik and Grey, Kerry-Anne and Gottschalk, Nadine and Trachte, Katja and Midgley, Guy F.}, title = {Can shelterbelt trees reduce evapotranspiration and ecophysiological stress in irrigated vineyards and citrus orchards? A transcontinental experiment in the Western Cape, South Africa and Lower Lusatia, Germany}, series = {Landscape 2021 - Diversity for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture}, journal = {Landscape 2021 - Diversity for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture}, doi = {10.13140/RG.2.2.34333.03043}, pages = {1}, abstract = {In the context of ongoing climate change and increasing population, there is an urgent need to optimize the water consumption of surface and groundwater in agricultural production. In recent years, intensive irrigated viticulture and horticulture have faced increasing demand pressure in many water-limited areas including the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Shelterbelts of trees are often used to reduce wind speed and water demands as an eco-engineering measure directly influencing soil evaporation and crop transpiration. Objectives are (i) to evaluate the extent of impacts of wind speed from shelterbelts at canopy level in citrus orchards and vineyards (ii) to assess the wind effects at leaf level including leaf temperature and related ecophysiological performance in irrigated vineyards.}, language = {en} } @misc{LebzienVesteFechneretal., author = {Lebzien, Stefan and Veste, Maik and Fechner, H. and Koning, Laurie Anne and Mantovani, Dario and Freese, Dirk}, title = {The Giant Knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis var. Igniscum) as a new plant resource for biomass production for bioenergy}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna, Austria}, journal = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Kattenburg-Lindau}, pages = {1}, language = {en} } @misc{SeiffertNenovMaureretal., author = {Seiffert, Thomas and Nenov, Rossen and Maurer, Thomas and Gerwin, Werner and Veste, Maik and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Microdrone-based photogrammetry for water catchment monitoring}, series = {Dimensions of ecology - from global change to molecular ecology, (Gf{\"O}) 39th annual conference, University of Bayreuth, 14th - 18th September 2009}, journal = {Dimensions of ecology - from global change to molecular ecology, (Gf{\"O}) 39th annual conference, University of Bayreuth, 14th - 18th September 2009}, editor = {Holzheu, Stefan and Thies, B.}, publisher = {Bayreuther Zentrum f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie und Umweltforschung (BayCEER) Selbstverlag}, address = {Bayreuth}, pages = {S. 129}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SesermanVesteFreese, author = {Seserman, Diana-Maria and Veste, Maik and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Optimisation of biomass productivity of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on marginal lands - a case study in Lower Lusatia, NE Germany}, series = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {The profitability of reclaiming post-mining areas depends on the tree biomass productivity and the restoration of ecosystem functions, such as improving soil and water quality. Agroforestry systems, regarded as combined land-use systems of trees and crops, have the ability to facilitate soil development while reducing wind speed, soil erosion and evaporation. Achieving the maximum biomass productivity of the tree stands depends on the corresponding soil conditions and water availability, but is also influenced by stand structure and the competition between individual trees. For this purpose, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) trees were planted in a Nelder design in 2010, on a reclaimed post-mining site of the open-cast lignite mining in Welzow S{\"u}d (Brandenburg, Germany). Black locust is regarded as a drought-adapted tree species and commonly used for the reclamation of former lignite mining sites in Lower Lusatia, Germany. The Nelder design encompasses angles of arc of equal measure and with the same origin traversed by successive circumferences set at a predefined radial distance. Accordingly, a total of 1071 trees were planted in Welzow S{\"u}d at the intersection between 63 spokes and 17 circumferences and at densities ranging from 0.4 to 8.0 m2, with the aim of examining the influence of stand density on the tree growth in a timeframe of six years. In order to evaluate the biomass production of the trees and to determine an optimal planting density on a marginal land, various scenarios were assessed with the help of the Yield-SAFE model, a parameter-sparse process-based agroforestry model. The study revealed the consequences of choosing different tree densities on the tree biomass productivity and water use of trees in relation to the competition for light and water.}, language = {en} } @misc{ZaplataFischerWinteretal., author = {Zaplata, Markus K. and Fischer, Annette and Winter, S. and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Veste, Maik}, title = {Development of an initial ecosystem - II. Vegetation dynamics and soil pattern in an artificial water catchment in Lusatia, NE Germany}, series = {Gf{\"O} 2009: Dimensions of ecology - From global change to molecular ecology}, journal = {Gf{\"O} 2009: Dimensions of ecology - From global change to molecular ecology}, editor = {Holzheu, Stefan and Thies, B.}, publisher = {Bayreuther Zentrum f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie und Umweltforschung (BayCEER) Selbstverlag}, address = {Bayreuth}, pages = {S. 124}, language = {en} }