Articles tagged with Forestry
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research led by the University of Utah found that industrial private land has nearly one-and-a-half times higher odds of high-severity wildfire compared to publicly owned forests. Reducing tree density can mitigate megafire risk even in extreme weather conditions.
Researchers found that increasing tree cover on cocoa farms across Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to a minimum of 30% could sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent, benefiting the environment and ecosystems. Agroforestry has the potential to deliver meaningful mitigation for the chocolate industry.
New research highlights four components where nature-based climate actions have fallen short, including inadequate accounting for albedo and carbon leakage. The study proposes reforms to improve the performance and scalability of these strategies.
A study analyzing genome data from teak trees found correlations between temperature and DNA sites, indicating adaptability to rising temperatures. The population in southern India demonstrated high adaptability, essential for effective management of genetic resources and resilient planting strategies.
Research led by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers found that Indigenous agroforests in Fiji offer a more nutritionally diverse food supply when they have greater ecological diversity. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge and management practices in supporting environmental resilience and human nutrition.
Researchers estimate that lightning kills around 320 million trees each year, resulting in significant biomass loss. This equates to an annual emission of 0.77-1.09 billion tons of CO₂, comparable to the emissions from wildfires.
A new UBC study found that clear-cutting can lead to an 18-fold rise in extreme floods, with effects lasting over 40 years. The study also reveals that landscape factors, such as slope direction, play a crucial role in shaping a watershed's response to treatment.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
Researchers investigated symbiotic (SNF) and asymbiotic (ANF) nitrogen fixation in subtropical forests, finding distinct environmental controls. SNF rates declined with increasing altitude, while ANF rates showed a hump-shaped pattern, influenced by soil properties at lower altitudes and climatic factors at higher altitudes.
A new study by the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that villages within forest-dominated landscapes exhibit higher biodiversity compared to agricultural settings. City proximity boosts human well-being, but has little impact on species numbers and diversity.
Researchers used a data-driven approach to filter out ideal tree species for urban forests, mapping carbon stock and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions of six dominant urban tree species in Beijing. The study identified two optimal species: Betula platyphylla for high-altitude areas and Robinia pseudoacacia for urban...
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
The SWIFTT project will explore practical and technical challenges of using AI and satellite data to monitor bark beetle outbreaks. Forest professionals, researchers, and remote sensing experts will discuss the interplay between remote sensing, machine learning, and traditional forestry knowledge.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
A study analyzing forestry records from 1974 to 2022 found that bark beetle-induced logging follows a distinct cycle aligned with solar activity, with lower solar activity leading to higher outbreaks. The North Atlantic Oscillation also impacts weather patterns, exacerbating beetle outbreaks during negative phases.
Forest-based agroforestry (FAF) can support forest health and biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration and storage, generate economic benefits for local communities, and aligns with Indigenous land stewardship practices. The study recommends explicit inclusion of FAF in agroforestry policies to maximize climate benefits.
A PSU study found that fires can cause trees to die in subsequent years, affecting forest regeneration. The researchers mapped annual changes in live tree cover and found that older conifer trees and sensitive species were most likely to die later.
Research by the University of Surrey found that specific forest characteristics, such as canopy density and tree species diversity, can affect various health outcomes. Increasing tree species diversity is a safe intervention for forest managers, offering multiple co-benefits beyond human health.
Researchers found a significant positive trend in tree growth since the 20th century due to low-latitude warming. This growth acceleration is attributed to enhanced regional temperatures and precipitation, promoting tree growth conditions.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers highlights the critical need for understanding and managing nonnative forest specialist and generalist pests. Specialists caused more tree deaths, while generalists inflicted more nonlethal damage due to their broader impact across multiple species.
Researchers developed an AI system to classify tiny powdery pollen grains produced by fir, spruce, and pine trees, enhancing speed and accuracy. The tool can aid allergy sufferers, urban planners, farmers, and wildlife conservation efforts.
A new satellite developed by Chalmers University of Technology will help monitor and measure the world's forest biomass. The system enables precise measurements of forest carbon stocks, aiding efforts to combat climate change.
Despite a net gain of over 10,000 hectares in forest cover from 2000 to 2020, the Yangtze River Delta's forests experienced significant losses due to urbanization and agriculture. The study found that four times more carbon was emitted than taken up, highlighting the need for sustainable forest management.
A new study developed a method to measure evapotranspiration in the understorey of native forests, which can contribute up to 50% of ecosystem water use. The research aims to improve management decisions for water scarce resources in Australia.
Researchers have developed a new method to genetically improve poplar trees without introducing foreign DNA into its genome. This breakthrough could accelerate the deployment of genetically enhanced trees with benefits for both the environment and the bio-based economy.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
A new study reveals that Douglas-fir introduction has a neutral effect on European biodiversity in most cases, with only rare positive or negative impacts observed.