Forest Ecosystem Research in Eißendorfer Sunder
The investigation of forest ecosystems has been an essential part of teaching and research since 2008. In Eißendorfer Sunder (municipality of Harburg), samples are regularly taken from mixed beech and oak stands and Douglas fir stands equipped with instruments on the same starting substrate and with the same dimensions and exposure, as well as from a reference open area.
As part of the regular study project “Ecosystem Research in the Harburg Hills,” data on the water and nutrient stocks and relevant basic parameters are collected in small working groups. This includes, for example, precipitation amounts and intensity (tipping bucket rain gauge), relative humidity and air temperature (logger), sampling and analysis of the precipitation in the open and in the stands every 2 weeks (bulk deposition sampler), as well as the soil solution at 3 depths (suction probe system), soil moisture, temperature, and water balance (sensor/tensiometer). In addition, litter samples are taken and analyzed in order to record the nutrient inputs via the vegetation. At the beginning of each study project, comprehensive vegetation mapping that includes species determination and mapping of aboveground biomass is carried out and soil samples are taken in a soil profile, which are further investigated based on physical and chemical soil parameters.
The site is also used for the analysis of microplastics in atmospheric deposition within the Metropolitan area of Hamburg.
The project takes place with support and permission from the Harburg district office Fachamt Management des öffentlichen Raumes (central forest service). We would particularly like to thank district forester Arne Schulz for his kind cooperation and support of the project.