OPUS: The function of dead wood in forest ecosystems: A synthesis for the next decade

枯树是每一个森林景观和生态系统的一部分，但关于它们在这些系统中的作用，还有很多东西有待了解。虽然对枯树的研究尚处于起步阶段，但在过去25年中，已有大量文献和相关数据可用于描述世界森林生态系统中枯木的许多功能。在两年的时间里，该项目将综合期刊文章、过去的评论和与死树在森林中的作用有关的数据分析的结果，以书籍形式更新综合。具体活动包括：更新的文献综述和对世界森林中枯树功能的分析;重新分析木材分解的长期实验数据;汇编与枯树有关的文章、图像和照片;更新和扩充以前出版的评论和书籍章节;将所有这些材料合成一本书。 枯树是森林中最常见的物体之一，但它们的功能往往被认为是"废物"。实际上，枯树具有许多重要的生态功能，例如为许多生物提供栖息地和食物来源，森林溪流的物理结构的一部分，森林生物的能量，水，碳和营养物质的来源，以及人类使用或野火的燃料。 在一个枯树数量和体积可能增加的世界上，不仅专家而且所有管理和/或使用森林的人都必须更好地了解枯树的作用和动态，这一点至关重要。因此，这一科学综合说明在了解所有森林的一个主要组成部分方面取得了重大进展。 为了提高公众对这一重要自然资源的理解和欣赏，一个平行项目将创建枯树的视觉和书面介绍，这些介绍将以多种形式分发，如公开展示和一本流行的书。

Dead trees are part of every forested landscape and ecosystem, yet much remains to be learned about their role in these systems. Although the study of dead trees is in its infancy, a significant body of literature and associated data have become available in the last 25 years that can be used to describe the many functions of dead wood in forested ecosystems of the world. Over a two-year period this project will synthesize results from journal articles, past reviews, and data analyses related to the role of dead trees in forests leading to an updated synthesis in book form. Specific activities include: an updated literature review and analysis of the function of dead trees in forests of the world; reanalysis of long-term experimental data on wood decomposition; compilation of articles, images, and photographs related to dead trees; updating and expansion of previously published reviews and book chapters; and synthesis of all these materials into a book. Dead trees are one of the most common objects in forests, yet their function is often ascribed as "waste". In reality dead trees serve many important ecological functions such as a habitat and a food source for a wide host of organisms, part of the physical structure in forest streams, a source of energy, water, carbon, and nutrients for forest organisms, as well as fuel for either human use or for wildfires. It is of critical importance in a world in which the number and volume of dead trees is likely to be increasing, that their role and dynamics be better understood not only by specialists but also by all those managing and/or using forests. This scientific synthesis therefore represents a major improvement in understanding a major component of all forests. To enhance public understanding and appreciation of this important natural resource a parallel project will create visual and written presentations of dead trees that will be distributed in multiple formats such as public displays and a popular book.