Indicators for a concept of multifunctional forest use

Examples of material loads which affect forest ecosystems are used to demonstrate what kind of system of indicators could be used to model the multifunctional use of forests. The presentation of habitat and control functions describes how production functions as well as cultural and social functions should be developed to achieve the objective of an integrated assessment. A problem inherent in systematic indicators lies in the fact that inaccuracy increases in relation to the number of aggregates used, in the lack of falsification potential and in progressive subjectivity in the course of the evaluation process. While it is often necessary to base decisions on unsatisfactory data material since they cannot be deferred until all causal relationships have been explained, the heightened probability of error should always be borne in mind. A particular danger lies in the fact that on account of unverified results or insufficient data material decisions often become a question of discretion and are frequently influenced by irrelevant arguments. This warning should not detract from the fact that for many environmental decisions char are currently being discussed the state of affairs, even today, is sufficiently well-known, despite the lack of comprehensive information, to make it possible to remedy serious defects and to considerably improve the situation. This goes, in particular, for large-scale loads of nitrogen inputs. Countermeasures have already been taken e.g. large-scale calcium deposits to counteract soil acidification. Evaluation methods have as yet not been developed to a satisfactory degree as far as use-related changes are concerned. A comprehensive indicator system is required here, along the lines of the multifunctional forest use model described above, if decisions are to be founded on reliable results. The establishment of this kind of system will be one of the great challenges of future forestry research. Nothing could have more dire consequences for future forest use and stands or the regeneration of forests than the adherence to a static evaluation concept used nor only in current forestry practice, bur also in nature conservation. The approach presented in this paper could be used as a guideline cowards achieving the ambitious objectives of the concept of multifunctional forest use.