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Publications

NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.

2002

Abstract

This study shows that it is questionable if critical load modelling can contribute in the search for harmful effects of acid deposition on forest health at present. Critical loads for S and N deposition were calculated using the MAGIC and PROFILE models for more than 100 monitoring plots in Norway spruce forest in south-east Norway. The two models gave different results, likely due to differences in the models, including differences in the time spans applied. The PROFILE model gave considerably more plots with exceedance than the MAGIC model. At plots where the CL was exceeded, calcium/aluminium (Ca/Al) ratios in the soil solutions were low. However, very few of these plots had possible harmful values of the Ca/Al-ratio. More than 50 yr seems in most cases to be needed to bring Ca/Al ratios below 1.0. Present deposition was better correlated with measured forest condition variables such as crown condition and needle chemistry, than with modelled exceedance according to any of the two methods. The deposition of S and N was weakly, negatively correlated to foliar concentrations of P and Ca, and positively to foliar N concentrations and crown density.

Abstract

The Norwegian intensive monitoring programme of forest condition has recorded rainfall, throughfall and soil water data from 1986 at 16 forest plots. Using covariance analysis, this study has examined short term and episodic influences on soil water ionic concentration at three of the plots, and identified both seasonal and long-term temporal trends. Acidity has decreased in bulk precipitation and throughfall, and the concentrations of base cations in the organic soil horizon have increased. Nevertheless, there is evidence of continued acidification in the organic and mineral soil horizons, though of a small scale. The influence of sea salt and drought effects on soil water chemistry are examined, but found to be unimportant in causing acidification effects such as increased soil aluminium concentration.

Abstract

A quantitative multiplex real-time PCR procedure was developed to monitor the dynamics in Norway spruce (Heterobasidion annosum) pathosystem. The assay reliably detected down to 1 pg of H. annosum DNA and 1 ng of host DNA in multiplex conditions. As a comparative method for quantifying fungal colonization,we applied the ergosterol assay. There was a very high correlation between the results obtained with the two methods, this strengthening the credibility of both assays. The advantages and disadvantages of these assays are discussed.

Abstract

Determining the level of pathogenic fungi and other microorganisms during colonization of the host is central in phytopathological studies. A direct way to monitor fungal hyphae within the host is microscopic examination, but chitin and ergosterol-levels are commonly used to indirectly measure the amount of fungus present. Recently real-time PCR technology is being used to follow infection agents in host tissues. We study the molecular basis of host defense responses, using the coniferous host Norway spruce infected with the pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum as the experimental system. This basidiomycete and the closely related pathogen H. annosum are the major root rot causing pathogens in conifers. To screen host material for differential resistance towards H. parviporum, it is a necessity to quantify the fungal colonization of the host tissues. Therefore, we aimed to develop and compare the sensitivity of a real-time PCR to an ergosterol based method for determining the rate of colonization, and applied the methods to rank the infection level of the pathogen on the spruce clones 053 and 589. We developed a quantitative multiplex real-time PCR procedure that reliably detecting down to 1pg H. parviporum DNA and 1ng host DNA. There was a very high correlation between the fungal-biomass/total-biomass and fungal-DNA/total-DNA rankings obtained with ergosterol and real-time PCR, strengthening the credibility of both methods. Based on both ergosterol and real-time PCR, it was clear that the clone 053 was hosting more fungal biomass than clone 589. The results indicate that this real-time procedure can be a useful method to screen different spruce material for their relative resistance to the pathogen H. parviporum.

Abstract

Six experimental sites in the coastal spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) forest of central Norway were investigated. A comparison of different silviculture systems was performed based on the present situation of mature stands, and a single tree selection system, a group system and a clearcutting system were studied. The diameter distribution shows the classical inverse J-shaped curve at five of six sites. The mean tree volume removed in the selection system was 0.6 m3, and about 0.3 m3 for the other two methods. The harvesting cost was about 14 Euro/m3 for clearcutting, and about 10% higher for the group and selection systems. In simulations of all future revenues and expenses based on the observed stand conditions, cutting and extraction costs, the net present value (NPV) was app. 15% lower for the group and selection systems compared to clearcutting. A lower stem volume production in uneven-aged stands and higher administration and harvesting costs had only a minor influence on the NPV. One percent higher interest rate lowered the NPV of the group and selection systems to 75% of the clearcutting method.

Abstract

Two games, called “Wood Supply Games”, are developed based on the structure and dynamics of the Beer Game. The games are intended as student exercises in forestry logistics courses. By introducing divergent and convergent flows in the supply chain, the relevance to the forest sector is increased. Results from pilot experiments of the games are presented and discussed in terms of how different degrees of complexity in supply chain structures may affect their efficiency. Measures of efficiency are accumulated costs, amplification of demand and the sample variance of order rates. Results indicate that supply chain performance is negatively affected by increasing rigidity of constraints at points of divergence. Furthermore, lower degrees of efficiency and predictability are observed as complexity of supply chain structure increases. Testing of results and proposed hypotheses can be accomplished by running numerous replications of the games, or alternatively, by development of appropriate simulation models.