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Birds of a Feather Flock Together?

Freiburg researchers are studying tree growth in monocultures and mixed cultures

Freiburg, Nov 26, 2018

Do trees grow better in mixed cultures than monocultures? Agriculture and forestry rely on monocultures, since they are easier to manage. Yet a greater diversity of tree species could bring advantages. Prof. Dr. Michael Scherer-Lorenzen’s team of Freiburg geobotanists are conducting research on a trial site of the University of Freiburg to see which form suits the trees best. They are comparing trees from a monoculture with others from the same species in a mixed culture. The study is looking at leaf growth, soil moisture and the influence of decaying foliage around the trees. Results so far indicate that a variety of species has a positive influence on the ecosystem.

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