Project description:
For the reforestation of sitesformerly covered by tropical rain forest, the water use at the tree andstand level becomes an increasingly important criteria. The speciesselection is often hampered by limited species-level information andthe differences in age and environment under which it was generated. Inthe Philippines, plantations were established that are composed of morethan 100 native and exotic tree species which in their naturalenvironment occupy different successional positions. This projectproposes (i) to analyse the growth and water use of a large number ofco-occurring tree species belonging to different groups (exotics /natives; early successional / late successional) and (ii) the waterbalance of the species rich stands in comparison to other land usetypes. The methods to be applied include sap flow techniques, stomatalconductance measurements, soil moisture and micro-meteorologicalanalyses, stable isotope analyses and model applications. The resultsshall evaluate the hydrological cycle in multi-species plantations andlead to recommendations for tree species selection in furtherreforestation activities.

Applicants should hold a M. Sc. ordiploma degree in forestry, ecology, biology, environmental sciences,or a related discipline. Desired skills include experience intechniques of plant ecophysiology (sap flux) and good knowledge of theEnglish language. The successful candidate is expected to be in thePhilippines for 15 months to carry out research works. More informationabout our institute can be found under:http://www.waldbau.forst.uni-goettingen.de/index_tropen.shtml

Please send your application before 13 June 2005 to:
Dr. L. Schwendenmann
Department of Tropical Silviculture
Institute of Silviculture
Buesgenweg 1
37077 Goettingen
Germany