Forstinventuren

Forstinventuren are systematic surveys of forest resources conducted to quantify and describe the state and development potential of forests within a defined territory and period. They collect data on standing timber volume, species composition, age and size structure, growth and yield, regeneration, health, and disturbances, as well as site conditions and ecosystem attributes. The results provide a baseline for sustainable management, planning, policy making, and reporting at national, regional, or stand level.

Methods commonly combine field measurements with modern technology. Field components include the use of plots or permanent sample plots to measure trees (diameter at breast height, height), estimate volume with allometric equations, assess regeneration and stocking, and record soil and site conditions. Remote sensing and geospatial tools such as aerial imagery, LiDAR, and satellite data are increasingly integrated to cover larger areas and update inventories more efficiently. Inventories may be conducted on a periodic cycle (for example every five to ten years), with some systems maintaining continuous data through permanent plots. Sampling designs often involve stratification by forest type, age class, or management regime to improve precision and comparability.

Applications of Forstinventuren include determining growing stock and increments, planning sustainable harvests, estimating carbon stocks, assessing biodiversity indicators, and monitoring disturbances like storms, pests, and fires. The data support economic planning, certification processes, and international reporting. In German-speaking regions, the term Forstinventur is commonly used, and results are typically published in forest yearbooks or national statistics, sometimes under the broader umbrella of national forest inventories.