Table 8 Levels of deviation from ecosystem type reference states and levels of change of ecosystem integrity
Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
Very low | The values of the indicators habitat function, net primary production and carbon storage correspond to those of the reference range. For the respective ecosystem type there are also no or only very minor changes in the values for the physical–chemical conditions (nutrient flow, water flow) compared to the values that characterize the historical reference condition 1961–1990. The similarity of the current tree species composition with the spectrum of natural site-specific tree species is very high |
Low | The indicators for habitat function, net primary production and carbon storage show small deviations from the historical reference values. The physical–chemical conditions also deviate only slightly from the values of the reference type. There is a high similarity between the current tree species composition and the spectrum of natural site-specific tree species |
Medium | The values of ecosystem function indicators differ moderately from those normally associated with the historically determined reference status. The values give indications of moderate deviations and show significantly stronger interference than was the case under historical conditions. There is a moderate similarity between the current tree species composition and the spectrum of natural site-specific tree species |
High | Ecosystem conditions where indicators point to major changes and differ significantly from those normally associated with the reference status. There is little similarity between the current tree species composition and the spectrum of natural site-specific tree species |
Very high | Ecosystem conditions in which the indicators point to very strong changes and deviate very strongly from the historical reference condition. There is very little similarity between the current tree species composition and the spectrum of natural site-specific tree species |