As stand age increases, Pinus massoniana consistently absorbs bioavailable phosphorus from the soil, reducing soil phosphorus availability. Phosphorus distribution affects various organs in four distinct forms, and resorption influences this process.
Researchers discovered manipulating miR159a enhances drought tolerance in poplar trees, boosting water-use efficiency and minimizing stomatal opening. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance, offering new avenues to breed resilient tree species.
Researchers have established a precise genome modification method using prime editing in dicot poplar, achieving high efficiency rates for single-base substitutions and multiple-base substitutions. However, the system's low efficiency for small-fragment insertions/deletions warrants further optimization.
The number and scope of forest ecology/forestry research are expanding, with a shift towards more applied topics and the use of advanced statistical tools. Publications in eight ecology journals increased from 820 in 2010 to 2,354 in 2021.
A recent study found that biodiversity-biomass relationships are influenced by tree mycorrhizal associations and stand structural diversity at different spatial scales. The research, published in Forest Ecosystems, emphasizes the importance of considering environmental conditions and structural diversity in understanding scale-dependen...
A team of researchers has discovered a novel microRNA, miR319a, that significantly enhances poplar trees' ability to withstand salt stress. This breakthrough sheds light on how trees maintain essential ion balance under salty conditions and presents new avenues for improving salt tolerance in woody plants.
A new study found that climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops, putting pressure on timber production. As the land needed for producing vital resources becomes scarce, researchers warn of a looming issue that could lead to increased competition and conflict between agriculture and forestry.
A recent study reveals that urban trees are more negatively impacted by heat waves and drought than their rural counterparts. The research highlights the challenges urban trees face in the context of climate change, underscoring the importance of tailored urban forestry management to protect tree species and reduce urban heat islands.
Scientists have discovered that planted mangroves can store a significant amount of carbon, reaching levels comparable to those in intact stands after just 20 years. The study used logistic models compiled from over 700 planted mangrove stands worldwide and found that the trees' carbon stock reached 71-73% of that found in intact stands.
A new machine-learning system can automatically produce detailed maps from satellite data to show locations of likely beetle-killed spruce trees in Alaska. This helps forestry and wildfire managers make critical decisions as the beetle infestation spreads, affecting approximately 2 million acres across Southcentral Alaska.
The new assembly toolkit PMAT addresses the limitations of traditional methods by utilizing highly accurate long-read HiFi sequencing data. It successfully assembled the mitogenomes of 13 plant species with minimal sequencing data, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale genomic studies.
Urban green infrastructure projects can bring health and climate benefits, but their distribution is unequal in urban landscapes. Researchers recommend a justice-oriented approach that considers historical development patterns and existing power structures to ensure equitable access to environmental amenities. This includes building re...
A worldwide analysis of voluntary carbon offset programs identified trends in renewable energy, forestry, and other technologies. Forestry and land management projects initially increased due to REDD+ programs, but shifted towards nature-positive solutions after 2016.
A recent study by the University of Vienna found that only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change. Mixed forests are essential for forest ecosystem stability, but limited species options pose a challenge. The selected set of future-proof trees averages three properties, such as carbon storage and animal habitats.
The study examined the relationship between groundwater and ecosystems across California, identifying thresholds of vegetation greenness and groundwater depth that can determine groundwater needs for ecosystems. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems play a crucial role in biodiversity, and the research provides a data-driven foundation to g...
A new study predicts that cooler, wetter parts of the Pacific Northwest will experience increased fires due to climate change. The region's highly productive forests are vulnerable to larger and more frequent blazes, which could impact drinking water sources, timber resources, and biodiversity.
Researchers developed an unmanned forestry machine that can safely pick up logs using computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms. The machine reduces labor costs while minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable forestry.
Researchers urge shift towards more sustainable forestry practices and policy to manage global growing flood risk. A probabilistic approach can better understand the effects of deforestation on floods, considering multiple factors like climate change, land use, and logging.
Researchers from Purdue University used deep learning to generate growth models for various tree species, both with and without leaves. The AI models can produce complex tree models with detailed geometry, improving digital forest endeavors.
Researchers used hyperspectral reflectance to differentiate Scots pine seedlings from lowland and upland ecotypes, achieving up to 83% accuracy. The study demonstrates the potential of non-destructive genetic evaluation and effective nursery practices in forestry and breeding programs.
The EU-funded ForestPaths project gathered stakeholders to discuss forest-based policymaking and climate change mitigation. Key findings include a desire for sustainable forestry products, long-term forest considerations, and practical guidance for forest managers.
The university has received $1 million to advance wildfire risk science and train scientists to translate findings into tangible outcomes for communities. A new graduate program will combine civil engineering and forest engineering, resources and management.
Oregon State University scientists used forest modeling to determine that a site's productivity is the main factor in maximizing above-ground carbon sequestration. The study found that 60-year rotations with low-intensity thinning are optimal for highly productive stands, while longer rotations of 80-120 years are better for less produ...
Researchers successfully synthesized Chromene derivatives with AIE characteristics in an aqueous micellar system, exhibiting regiostructure-dependent fluorescence. The compounds were found to have potential for ER-specific imaging and modulating cell viability through substituent alteration.
The study highlights the importance of protecting the Tongass and Chugach national forests in Southern Alaska, which provide habitat for iconic species like bald eagles, brown bears, and gray wolves. Increased protections for these forests are seen as key to mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
A team of experts identified 15 over-looked issues that could impact UK forests, including catastrophic ecosystem collapse, competition for water resources, and tree viral diseases. The research calls for urgent action to increase forest resilience.
Re-wetting southern peatlands along the US south Atlantic coast could significantly boost carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new Duke University study reveals that maintaining water levels between 20-30 cm below the local water table can increase CO2 storage by up to 90%.
Researchers found that huckleberry patches and forestry road density significantly affect grizzly bears' mortality risk. Securing critical food resources through reduced human access near roads is crucial for bear conservation.
The Morton Arboretum will receive $15 million in federal funding to expand and improve tree canopy in disadvantaged communities. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative will award sub-grants to support equitable access to trees and bolster resilience to climate change.
A new spatial database created by Purdue University scientists combines data collected on-site and via satellite to provide detailed maps of planted forests in East Asia. The database lists the most common tree species growing there, such as pine and eucalyptus, and covers 87.0% of planted forest in China.
Researchers advocate for a forest-first approach to specifying timber species in forestry and building practices, emphasizing the need for climate-adaptive strategies. By selecting suitable tree species based on ecological and building traits, builders can create resilient forests and support functional diversity.
A new UBC study finds that clearcut logging leads to a significant increase in flood frequency and size, particularly in larger watersheds. The researchers used a novel method to isolate the effects of logging from climate background factors.
Research suggests that Queensland's low-intensity forestry management techniques can restore wildlife habitat, promote floristic diversity, and improve the resilience of large trees against climate change. The study emphasizes that sustainably managing forests is crucial to maximizing global biodiversity and climate goals.
A new study by CABI reveals that invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK cause an estimated £4bn in economic losses each year. The study found that fungi are the costliest group, accounting for 52.9% of total costs.
Flying squirrels in China's southern rainforests use a unique storage method, chewing grooves into nuts and wedging them between branches, to keep them safe from decomposition. This behavior demonstrates their cognitive and engineering skills, potentially contributing to the dispersal of nut-producing trees throughout the forest.
Researchers found that communities with collective land rights were more cooperative during forestry and non-forestry activities, such as working on community projects. They scored higher on measurements of cooperation and tended to collaborate more on tasks like maintaining roads or digging wells.
Researchers use camera drones and machine learning to track genetic and structural variations in slash pine trees. The study found the highest heritability for nitrogen and nonstructural carbohydrate content in July and March, indicating optimal breeding times.
A recent study published in Environment International found that the mutation rate in trees growing in contaminated areas did not increase significantly due to ambient radiation. The researchers used a new bioinformatics pipeline to evaluate de novo mutations in two widely cultivated tree species, Japanese cedar and flowering cherry.
A new study by Oregon State University finds that Douglas-fir trees in the Klamath Mountains are experiencing a 'decline spiral' due to multiple factors, including climate change and drought. The research developed a tool to assess tree risk and predict mortality events.
Research suggests that wildfires need to fall within a narrow severity range to improve forest health. The study found that moderate severity fires are most effective at reducing community and ecosystem risk, but even these may not be enough to restore species composition. Land managers can use the predicted post-fire conditions to inf...
Researchers from Japan highlight the decline of native squirrel species due to introduced non-native sciurine species. The study emphasizes the importance of early action in addressing ecological concerns and conserving rare endemic species, with successful eradication efforts reported in four locations.
Purdue University has been awarded a $10 million grant from the USDA to improve forest management in the Eastern US. The project, called PERSEUS, aims to provide digital tools and precision management to enhance forest health and promote sustainable forestry practices.
Purdue University researchers are developing new applications for 3D technologies, including lidar and drone-mounted sensors, to measure ecosystems and analyze their structural diversity. The research has the potential to inform land management decisions and improve ecological theories.
Climate change may lead to significant declines in US forest inventories, particularly in the South, resulting in reduced timber production and increased costs. The study projects losses of up to 23% by 2100, with potential gains in some regions driven by climate-adaptive species.
Researchers found that riparian buffers can increase stream flow during low-flow events and maintain water levels in areas with high future development. However, the effectiveness of buffers was limited, and they were not enough to mitigate extreme changes in stream flow.
A five-year project aims to restore the declining Emory oak tree population critical to Western Apache tribal communities for food and cultural purposes. The DISES initiative will support holistic landscape-level approaches to understand threats to these woodlands and inform conservation efforts.
A researcher reviews the evolution of the nexus approach, a method that considers multiple variables to tackle sustainable development challenges. The approach has become more complex and diverse over time, allowing for a fine-tuned analysis of real-world situations.
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that plants use different combinations of LACCASEs to create specific lignin chemistries, allowing them to resist climate challenges. This adaptation enables plants to grow tall and survive extreme weather conditions.
A new study by Mayra Rodríguez González found that people of color are inversely linked to high amounts of ecosystem services. To address this, Rodríguez recommends obtaining land for restoration and management in diverse communities to increase access and equity.
A new study reveals that 60% of northern Fennoscandia's grazing land is exposed to multiple pressures, including forestry, tourism, and climate change. This reduces the size and quality of summer grazing areas, with only 4% remaining undisturbed.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to adapt to drought by modifying their lignin chemistry, enabling them to grow and thrive in challenging conditions. By understanding the 'chemical code' of lignin, scientists can develop crops and trees that are more resilient to climate change stresses.
The study, led by PhD candidate Jessica Quinton, analyzed data from 31 major Canadian cities and found that education and income are not always linked to access to green space. However, in some cities, household income was strongly associated with better vegetation access, while education played a key role in other cities.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.
Oregon State University scientists suggest using federal lands in 11 states to establish a wolf habitat network, potentially triggering powerful ecological effects. Beaver restoration is also proposed to repair degraded riparian areas, providing habitat for up to 70% of wildlife species.
Grassland restoration requires long-term approaches and a deep understanding of ancient ecosystems to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services. The authors propose three considerations to guide restoration interventions, including re-establishing feedbacks among disturbance, vegetation, and belowground soil development.
Researchers highlight the importance of linking carbon conservation with threatened forest primates, which could enhance climate action and biodiversity protection. The study found that 15.5 gigatonnes of irrecoverable carbon are stored in areas with high primate species richness, equivalent to 40% of current annual fossil fuel emissions.
A study reveals a significant increase in fire risk in Southern, Central, and Northern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, linked to climate change. The increased fire risk threatens key carbon sinks like the Pyrenees and Alps, highlighting the need for effective forest management strategies.
Researchers found evidence of wild trees and plants growing near ancient Maya city Yaxnohcah, suggesting the civilization managed their environment prudently. The study suggests the ancient Maya cultivated pine trees for fuel, but also left much of the rainforest intact.
A 30-year study by INRAE and ONF identified 34 oak populations with good combinations of traits as seed sources for plantings in France. Seed sources from regions with a long tradition of forestry have the best ecological and silvicultural traits, enabling the species to adapt to climate change.
A study by Leibniz-IZW scientists reveals that the death of common noctule bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains, compromising ecosystem services like pest control. The loss of these insectivorous bats has significant consequences for agriculture and forestry in Germany.