Forestry

Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?

The fast-track tree breeding method that is restoring European ash to the landscape

Researchers at John Innes Centre develop rapid seed germination protocol, reducing Ash dieback's impact. This new method has already produced over 2,000 seedlings for trials and research.

Combining prescribed fire and retention forestry promotes natural tree regeneration

Researchers found that post-fire seedling establishment remained strong across key commercial species, Scots pine and birch, after combining prescribed burning with tree retention. Natural tree regeneration met or exceeded commercial standards, supporting biodiversity goals with sustainable forest management.

Horizon Europe’s SWIFTT project concludes with Copernicus-based forest management tool to map, mitigate, and prevent the main threats to EU forests

The SWIFTT platform uses Copernicus Sentinel satellite data and machine learning models to identify tree health changes, detect anomalies, and predict threats like spruce bark beetle outbreaks and wildfires. Foresters can access timely alerts, prioritize inspections, and coordinate clearing of dead wood to protect forests.

Restored ecosystems could help defend borders, study suggests

Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.

Researchers enhance original forestry decision-making software

Mississippi State University researchers have developed an updated version of the Forest Valuation and Investment Analysis software program, known as FORVAL-XL, built specifically for Microsoft Excel. The new version includes features such as discounted cash-flow results, sensitivity analyses, and easy-to-read tables and graphs to supp...

Young forest owners in Finland find themselves having to compromise their values

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that young translocal forest owners in Finland often compromise on their values due to financial incentives and limited information on alternative methods. Sentimental value was identified as a key factor, with forests holding emotional significance for many owners.

Frequent prescribed burns help young oaks thrive despite invasive grasses, Illinois study finds

Researchers found that frequent fires increased light in the forest understory and reduced fire intensity. Almost twice as many young oak trees survived and resprouted in plots with more frequent fires.

Plants need water? Breakthrough sensor measures leaf hydration in real time

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed an electronic tattoo to track moisture levels in plant leaves with greater accuracy. The technology uses graphene and can measure hydration levels directly from live leaves, providing more information on plant ecosystem health.

March research news from the Ecological Society of America

Recent ESA research studies explore supply and demand of bird migration routes, scavenging by mid-sized carnivores, and polar bear adaptation to a thawing Arctic. A new metric compares bird demand with habitat supply to assess stopover sites along migratory routes.

Microwave-derived hierarchic liquefaction of pentose and intensified separation of furfural

Researchers developed a microwave-coupled solvent system to efficiently convert hemicellulose into furfural, achieving high yields under mild conditions. The approach demonstrated significant energy savings compared to conventional heating methods.

The food commodities driving deforestation globally

A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.

A ‘shocking’ carbon discovery in Sweden’s forests

A new study reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 72% more carbon per acre than managed forests, with a significant gap due to soil losses. Restoring primary forests could keep nearly 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Reduced-impact management can promote forest recovery and carbon storage

Research in the Amazon forest shows that reduced-impact logging techniques can increase above-ground biomass and contribute to mitigating climate change. The study found that RIL-FM increased biomass stock by 70.68 megagrams per hectare, while conventional logging resulted in a biomass loss.

Forest damage could double: How fires, storms, and bark beetles will shape the future of Europe’s forests

A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.

Six years of field data show how climate and light shape early growth of abarco, informing reforestation in Colombia

Abarco trees show strong early growth but sensitivity to air humidity and sunlight intensity, according to a new six-year study. The research provides critical guidance for reforestation and sustainable forest management in Colombia's tropical regions.

Modern twist on wildfire management methods found also to have a bonus feature that protects water supplies

Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.

Mountain soils in arid regions may emit more greenhouse gas as climate shifts, new study finds

Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.

Forest-based resins challenge fossil materials in wind turbines, boats and high-performance adhesives

Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed new bio-based resins that match or exceed the performance of fossil-based counterparts. The resins are produced from biomass-derived platform chemicals and offer a critical sustainability advantage: chemical recyclability.

The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans

Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.

When too much of a good thing becomes dangerous

Global study finds that nitrogen pollution causes forests to follow two distinct patterns in response to added nutrients, with some experiencing a boost and others collapsing. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen levels to stabilize forest soil carbon pools and maintain natural respiration rhythms.

Phylogenomics Insights: Worldwide phylogeny and integrative taxonomy of Clematis

A comprehensive sectional classification of the Clematis genus has been established using robust phylogenomic evidence. The analysis identified 22 well-supported evolutionary clades and revised the infrageneric taxonomy into 22 distinct sections, resolving long-standing taxonomic ambiguities.

Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.

Strategic tree planting brings meaningful carbon reductions

A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Just the smell of lynx can reduce deer browsing damage in recovering forests

Deer behavior changes when exposed to the smell of predators like lynx and wolves, reducing browsing damage to tree saplings. The study suggests using large carnivores as a natural solution to mitigate overbrowsing in recovering forests.

Nepal’s green success story has a hidden social gap, Notre Dame research shows

A new study reveals Nepal's community forestry program has widened the gap between rural poverty and social elite, leaving marginalized populations behind. Researchers suggest stricter monitoring and targeted payment schemes to reform the program and promote equity.

Pine bark removes pharmaceutical residues from wastewater – an affordable way to keep antibiotics out of nature

Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed a pine-bark-based water-treatment medium that efficiently removes antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals from wastewater treatment plant effluent. The method uses modified pine bark and combination materials, achieving removal efficiencies in the tens of percent to over 90%.

Forestry is becoming digital and automated

The COMET project AutoForst aims to increase safety, alleviate labor shortages, and improve forest logistics with digital and automated systems. Researchers will develop sensor and camera systems to recognize critical situations during loading and automate transport systems.

New study reveals major gaps in global forest maps

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.

Technology & Forestry: EU project SWIFTT’s results are presented in hybrid seminar

The SWIFTT project presents a hybrid seminar to showcase its platform that helps foresters detect and prevent insect outbreaks, analyse windthrow and fire damage. The event features live demos and presentations from the project team, highlighting the platform's benefits for sustainable forest management.

Leveraging incomplete remote sensing for forest inventory

Researchers developed a hybrid estimator that uses probability-based sampling to work directly with available data, generating reliable estimates for forest attributes. The method achieved a sampling precision of over 90% and was comparable in efficiency to conventional model-based methods using superior Sentinel-2 data.

Dragon-slaying saints performed green-fingered medieval miracles, new study reveals

A new study published by the University of Cambridge reveals that medieval Augustinian saints performed 'green-fingered' miracles, such as restoring swampy areas to fertility and healing diseased livestock. The research challenges major assumptions about the Catholic Church's forgotten early history.

How thinning benefits growth for all trees

Researchers found that thinning adjusts competition, maintaining forest productivity over time. Thinning levels the playing field, weakening large trees' dominance and giving smaller ones a chance to catch up.

Researchers upgrades 3-PG forest model for improved accuracy

The study refines the 3-PG model by adding a carbon storage pool, allowing it to account for the 'carry-over effect' in tree growth. The updated model achieves stronger agreement with observations and improves predictions of annual variations in tree-ring widths.

Beech trees use seasonal soil moisture to optimize water uptake

Research reveals beech trees adjust roots to short-term changes in soil moisture, improving drought readiness and survival in fluctuating environments. Fine root traits vary more in upper 10 cm of soil due to nutrient availability.

University of Houston engineers: While melatonin puts us to sleep, it wakes up plants

University of Houston engineers have discovered that melatonin helps plants grow by adjusting biological processes to coincide with daily cycles. The hormone also enhances photosynthesis and improves stress tolerance in crops.

Non-timber products have the potential to finance reforestation projects

A study identified 167 native species of the Atlantic Forest with bioeconomic applications, including medical, cosmetic, and food sectors. The researchers found that 78 species have registered patents in 61 countries, offering an economic incentive for reforestation projects.

KTU researchers develop a system that helps block illegal timber from entering the EU market

A blockchain-based tracking and trading system designed to ensure full transparency in the timber supply chain. The system uses unique identifiers, blockchain technology, and smart contracts to verify wood origin and prevent illicit trade. This creates a competitive advantage for responsible businesses and promotes sustainability.

Maps created by 1960s schoolchildren provide new insights into habitat losses

A new study of 1960s maps created by young people has provided important insights into the timing and extent of habitat losses in England and Wales. The analysis revealed a significant decline in semi-natural habitats, including rough grassland, heath, and wetland, which have lost 42% of their original area over the past 90 years.

Rats played major role in Easter Island’s deforestation, study reveals

Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.

1st death linked to ‘meat allergy’ spread by ticks

A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.

FAPESP Day Uruguay symposium begins tomorrow in Montevideo

The FAPESP Day Uruguay symposium will focus on three themes: Oceanography, Forestry, and Sustainable Animal Protein Production. Researchers from São Paulo and Uruguay will engage in scientific sessions, panel discussions, and technical visits to promote collaboration and innovation.

Forest structure and recent infestations drive bark beetle damage clustering in Finland

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that bark beetle damage clusters in Finland tend to concentrate in groups near previous infestations and mature stands. The research analyzed forestry land data and identified forest characteristics increasing the likelihood of a stand becoming part of a cluster.

How to grow better pine forests for the long run: lessons from a 27-year study

Researchers tracked pine plantations in North Florida for 27 years to identify site preparation strategies with sustained benefits. Two-pass treatments consistently outperformed simpler methods, especially when combined with herbicide applications.

Forests and water: new research challenges old assumptions about forest restoration

A major new synthesis of global evidence reveals that restoring forests can actually increase water availability, particularly during critical dry seasons. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing dry-season flow recovery in large-scale forest landscape restoration.

Eyes above the trees

Researchers at Kyoto University used LiDAR to measure the crown structure of 4,326 canopy trees across 23 forest census plots in Japan. The analysis revealed that canopy trees account for about 75% of total forest biomass across diverse forest types, providing a foundation for estimating total forest biomass and supporting sustainable ...

Natural Japanese and Taiwanese hinoki cypresses genetically differentiated 1 million years ago

Genetic analysis reveals clear differentiation between Japanese and Taiwanese hinoki cypress, with divergence occurring 1 million years ago. The study highlights the need for revised classification systems based on genetic regional characteristics to preserve local genetic integrity.

Genetic structure and predicted habitat expansion of Shorea macrophylla (dipterocarpaceae) in southeast Asia

A study analyzing S. macrophylla's natural populations in Kalimantan revealed distinct genetic structures among northeastern, central, and southwestern populations. The ancestral population shows highest genetic diversity and is recommended for conservation as a separate management unit.

Pusan National University researchers reveal how forest soil properties influence arsenic mobility and toxicity in soil organisms

A study by Pusan National University researchers found that soil properties control arsenic behavior and toxicity, with mobile fractions posing a stronger threat to juvenile springtails. The findings support targeted ecosystem management and remediation strategies to protect ecosystems from arsenic contamination.

Tiny but mighty: Groundbreaking study reveals mosses are secret carbon heroes in subtropical forests

A groundbreaking study found that mosses, often overlooked as mere background scenery, play a crucial role in storing carbon and stabilizing soil in subtropical forests. By including bryophytes in ecosystem assessments, scientists can identify cost-effective, nature-based solutions for climate change.

Diversity in forest management promotes biodiversity

Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.

Landscape features shape forest growth and carbon storage patterns

Scientists discovered that tree species respond differently to slope, bench, or valley in temperate forests, with some species storing more carbon on slopes than others. The study found that valleys tend to have higher biomass of yellow-poplar and American beech, while slopes support southern shagbark hickory growth.

How could AI help (and hurt) forestry?

Forestry professionals express concerns about AI's impact on land-management decisions and policy, citing 'black box' problems and data quality issues. However, they see potential for AI to support tasks like data analysis and task automation.

Community management effectively protects millions of hectares of Amazonian forest

Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.

The economic cost of climate change for Europe’s Forests — Need for strategic adjustments

Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.

Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips

Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.

Reindeer grazing can mitigate the impacts of winter climate change on forest carbon release

A new study from the University of Oulu, Finland, found that reindeer grazing can buffer ecosystem functions, such as carbon exchange, under changing climate conditions. The results provide perspective on the role of reindeer in sustaining biodiversity in northern ecosystems.

Climate shapes how oaks evolve leaf traits to survive

Researchers studied two evergreen oak species in the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains, finding that one adapts with loosely linked leaf traits and the other with tightly linked traits. Climate plays a major role in their differences, with one species having thicker leaves to reduce water loss in dry conditions.

Modern continuous cover forestry traces roots to 17th-century European farm practices

New research reveals the origins of Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) to 17th-century Central European farm forestry practices. This approach focuses on individual trees, emphasizing biological rationalization and low-impact management. CCF aims to establish resilient forests that last for generations with minimized costs.

AI in Agriculture Symposium, hackathon set for September in Fayetteville

The inaugural AI in Agriculture Symposium will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest research and real-world applications for agriculture. The symposium will feature a roundtable discussion on multidisciplinary collaborations in agriculture.