Patrik Wallman

Biogeochemical processes and mechanisms

The modelling adapted in the SUFOR programme attempts to take a large step forward. This chapter describes some of the biogeochemistry processes needed in the next step biogeochemical modelling taken in SUFOR. There are several models for nutrient dynamics and growth available, however, development of these have in some respects moved in old tracks for the last decade. We see several drawbacks in these older constructs with respect to operationality and several new steps are necessary, especially with respect to nitrogen and carbon cycling, but also with respect to developing models that operate on observable parameters. What is described in the following is the result of several theme groups that have been operative in the SUFOR Programme. The groups have been multidisciplinary, which was a great help for innovation.

DECOMP - a semi-mechanistic model of litter decomposition

The decomposition of organic matter in a forest ecosystem is simulated by DECOMP, a process-based, semi-mechanistic model built on system dynamic principles. The model divides a litter into four different substrate quality classes with different decomposition rates which are differently influenced by temperature, soil moisture content, pH and aluminum concentration in the soil solution. The model is presented with its core equations and parameter values, but also presented from a system dynamics perspective in its context as a cornerstone in a forest-soil-atmosphere model. DECOMP is aimed at simulating long-term dynamics of decomposition over several forest management rotations, and to function in concert with other model components used in forest modeling. The model is evaluated against empirical data and shows good resemblance when simulating decomposition of Scots pine needle litter with data from a four-year litter bag field experiment.

Integrated sustainability assessment of water systems: lessons from the Ebro River Basin

This paper describes the co-development and implementation of visioning and experimenting exercises, agent-based modelling, and gaming tools in Integrated Sustainability Assessments (ISAs) involving stakeholders. These new tools are aimed at supporting reflexive learning and at building alternative policy relevant knowledge and evaluative paradigms for managing sustainability. The specific case study relates to water management within the Ebro River Basin. Conclusions concern the use of these tools to represent complexity, to learn how conflict and collaboration between agents can be addressed, and to explore the roles played by power regimes, institutional rules, and culture in constraining or enhancing transition in the water domain.

Assessment of sustainability in the Asa Forest Park

The main objectives of the geochemical investigation in Asa Forest Research Park (referred to henceforth simply as Asa) were as follows: 1. to calculate the release of Ca, Mg, K, and P from mineral weathering using PROFILE, a biogeochemical soil model, 2. to determine the geographical distribution of the results of weathering rate calculations carried out both at the site level and on a regional scale and 3. to propose a mass balance method for calculating the optimal sustainable biomass production of a forested area in southern Sweden

Application of natural, social, and economical sustainability limitations to forest management, based on Swedish experiences

Abstract We suggest a method of analyzing the sustainability conditions for forestry from three major realms: environmental, social, and economic. The tools and methods were tested at sites in Sweden. Assessments were made for the long-term sustainability concerning the impact of present management practices on the balances of nutrients in monocultures and mixed-species stands. In the economic assessments, both traditional terms but also costs and revenues from adaptation to defined biodiversity criteria and public service demands were accounted for. An alternative to traditional discounting was used for transferring monetary value over time, by introducing spruce pulp equivalent units. Several scenarios with unsustainable conditions could be identified as well as appropriate management measures that can be taken to correct the issue. Results showed that the changes in management methods needed are possible and feasible. No significant difference in the net profit from the Norway spruce monocultures and the deciduous-conifer mixed stands were found. An increased use of deep rooting tree species has the potential to increase the total sustainable harvest volume.

A Web-Based Software System for Model Integration in Impact Assessments of Agricultural and Environmental Policies

The SEAMLESS consortium develops a computerized and integrated framework (SEAMLESS-IF) to assess the impacts on environmental and economic sustainability of a wide range of policies and technological improvements across a number of scales. In SEAMLESS-IF, different type of models are linked into model chains, where each model uses the outputs of another model as its inputs and ultimately indicators are calculated. This type of integrated modelling requires interoperability, which is the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged.

An interdisciplinary approach to resolving conflict in the water domain

Integrated Water Management (IWM) in line with the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) promotes a collaborative-oriented approach to tackle water management issues. This requires the participation of various government departments and stakeholder groups along with scientists and experts from different scientific disciplines. Conflict, arising from the diversity of perspectives, beliefs and benefits among those interest groups is a common characteristic of integrated water management. In order to benefit from stakeholder participations in supporting and accepting any results obtained in stakeholder meetings etc, the conflict of interests must be addressed.