Mixed forests and plantations have the potential, when compared to monocultures, (i) to show improved productivity, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, (ii) to reduce hazards due to pests and diseases, and (iii) to exhibit greater biodiversity. However, the relationships between species diversity and ecosystem functioning is still largely debated. In mixed forests and plantations, tree species basically compete for resources, but facilitation or complementarity interactions also occur and influence ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, these relationships can be influenced by environmental conditions; global changes will thus influence species interactions and their effect on ecosystem functioning and services, including productivity.

The 2014 NFZ.forestnet Summer School on “Mixed Forest Ecosystems” (acronym MIXFOR) will be organized in Nancy in August 2014 (25-29^th) and intends to offer applicants a complete and thorough view of the positive (e.g. facilitation, niche differentiation) and negative (competition) interactions for resource acquisition occurring in mixed forest ecosystems and their consequences on ecosystem functioning and services, in the context of environmental changes. Scientists from the NFZ.forestnet network working in this field as well as internationally recognized ones will share their research experience and illustrate concepts in community ecology and functional ecology to disentangle the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Illustrations might cover natural forests, plantations, and agro-forestry cultural systems, for temperate or tropical ecosystems.

The agenda will include conferences and workshops on technical, methodological, or conceptual aspects accompanied by case-studies. Classroom sessions will take place on INRA premises in Champenoux (15 km from Nancy, transportation provided by INRA). There will be visits of 3-4 mixed plantations or natural forests in Lorraine. These visits will be conducted in collaboration with the local forest partners (namely Office national des forêts, ONF) and will contribute to illustrate the experimental or observational studies conducted in Lorraine.

Targeted public and application proces

MIXFOR is aimed at PhD students and young scientists from all over the world, but we expect a significant percentage of applications coming from Germany, Switzerland and France, in the framework of the NFZ.forestnet network. We will select around 20 highly-motivated participants. The language of all sessions will be English.

More details on the application process (including deadlines) will be made available early 2014. Successful applicants will be notified in time. Registration will be free of charge. The organising committee will not cover travel and accommodation costs.