I am trying to assess the impact of land-use change in Germany on the ecosystem, and I need values of Potential natural vegetation (PNV) for different indicators, such as soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, biomass production ... etc.?
There are plant ecologists or botanists such as Steve Simon of Asheville, NC, USA who do this mapping of PNV. There are others too who do the analysis and produce these maps. Since much of your areas natural vegetation was probably forests wifh some natural history of forest fires, I would look there first, plant ecologists and a composite of naturalist history and records. Having access to a soil scientist/geologist as well as forester/botanist seems to be important. Possibly a hydrologist and aquatic biologist too, as land use changes have also altered hydrology and riparian/aquatic habitat. When you talk of ecosystem change, there are probably other technical specialists to consult, archeologists, wildlife biologists, etc.
Thank you Mr. Hansen for your reply, now I am wondering if all the PNV values are for forests, even if the location (my case study) now is considered as a grassland?
There are some natural grasslands, such as wet meadows and areas that burn too frequently to support forests. Grasslands often have soils high in organic accumulation, unless overgrazed and eroded. Alot may depend on how far back you go in time. Your area has a wealth of history, but also land uses I would suppose.
since you mentioned not only Germany but Europe as well, you may be interested in the recently published multilayer PNV of Hungary, which is now available for researchers.
Related website: http://www.novenyzetiterkep.hu/english/node/potveg_en
Related publication: Article Implementation and application of multiple potential natural...