One of the central research themes in ecology is evaluating the extent to which biological richness is necessary to sustain the Earth's system and the functioning of individual ecosystems. In this volume, for the first time, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem processes in forests is thoroughly explored. The text examines the multiple effects of tree diversity on productivity and growth, biogeochemical cycles, animals, pests, and disturbances. Further, the importance of diversity at different scales, ranging from stand management to global issues, is considered. The authors provide both extensive reviews of the existing literature and own datasets. The volume is ideally suited for researchers and practitioners involved in ecosystem management and the sustainable use of forest resources.

From the reviews:

"... As is usual with this series, the chapters are written with authority and contain a lot of good science. ... this volume has a lot to offer to those working in the area and will be useful for senior undergraduates and graduate students wanting to get to grips with a complex field." (Bulletin of the British Ecological Socienty)

"... I enjoyed reading this book and would heartily recommend it to interested researchers ..." (Ecology)

"Ten years later a LINECOL (Linking Community and Ecosystem Ecology Programme) workshop was held at Weimar, 13-15 June, 2002 to continue and extend the debate. The present book is the workshop report. ? Reading this book is a must for forest ecologists and forestry and biology students. It is highly recommended to forest practitioners and owners ? . It also should be read as source of information on forests ecosystem reality by conservationists, environmentalists, campaigners and those who consider themselves stakeholders in forestry." (Eberhard F. Bruenig, International Forestry Review, Vol. 7 (3), September, 2005)