The knowledge of site potential is a fundamental planning element of forest management. Site and Vegetation Research is also an essential requirement for the concerns of nature conservation and environmental protection thus providing the basis for decision-making processes in forestry. The tasks of the Unit of Site and Vegetation Research comprise the assessment of characteristic site parameters, the classification of forest sites according to permanent and variable site factors as well as the spatial presentation of those sites (mapping). Vegetation ecology deals with the classification of forest vegetation in vegetation communities. If we have enough information on ecological demands of forest plants we are able to make prognoses on the site factors that form a forest stand, including its history and use.

Special attention is given to close cooperation with silviculture. In a way, site research provides the knowlegde-based framework for silvicultural activities like tree species selection, stand conversion, utilisation, etc. Within these limits ecologically sustainable forest management is guaranteed.

Emphasis is also placed on forest hydrology. In anticipation of climate change, it is essential to understand the changes in the water regime of forest sites and the consequences thereof. In addition to physical properties, research focuses on soil water chemistry of various forest soils, jointly with the Unit of Forest Soils of the Department of Forest Ecology and Soils.