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.
2025
Authors
Jørgen A.B. MølmannAbstract
Potato with origins from temperate/alpine regions of South America is well suited for agricultural production in the cool climates at high latitudes in Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands and northern Fennoscandia. Here, the importance of potato as a staple crop is likely to increase in the future due to global warming. Potentially contributing to a larger share in food production from the north. As well as providing local food security under the risks of unstable geopolitics or natural disasters. Earlier snowmelt and ground thaw extending the growth season within the Midnight Sun period, and a larger accumulated degree day sum is likely to improve production at high latitudes. We have studied the influence of temperature on the minimum light requirement for potato growth under Arctic day lengths. Our results show that the radiation required for high yields increases as temperatures decrease below the optimum for tuber growth. On the other hand, at increasing temperatures the requirement for high irradiance decreases. This means that potato plants may utilize the very long daily photosynthesis periods more efficiently under warmer temperatures at high latitudes in the future. Thus, resulting in potential higher yields and increased profitability for northern potato producers. The latter may counteract some of the current logistical challenges for the potato industry in the high north. This together with agricultural policies centered on self-sufficiency can give cause for optimism among potato producers at high latitudes.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Tannaz Alizadeh AshrafiAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Jørgen A.B. MølmannAbstract
Omvisning med orientering om potetforsøk ved BIologisk klimalaboratorium i Tromsø
Abstract
The 2025 update of the Norwegian Red List shows that coastal heathlands remain threatened. Key ongoing threats include abandonment of traditional land use and development of the areas. Recently compiled statistics from habitat mapping provide insights into the ecological condition of the heathlands. The data reveal that more than half of the remaining coastal heathland areas lack active management, putting them at risk of encroachment in the coming years. Moreover, data show that the proportion of areas in the late successional phase is surprisingly low, just over ten percent, despite widespread degradation due to encroachment. This suggests that degraded coastal heathlands are difficult to identify and are likely being misclassified as other habitat types, such as forest. To help field surveyors avoid misidentification, a map illustrating the potential distribution of coastal heathlands in Norway has been developed, along with clear inclusion and exclusion principles. The map extends the previously known northern range of heathlands and reaches south eastward toward heathland areas in Sweden. Norway currently lacks representative monitoring of coastal heathland, as existing programs miss rare habitats. It is therefore a welcome step that the Norwegian Environment Agency now proposes the development of a dedicated monitoring program.
Authors
Paal KrokeneAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Belachew Asalf TadesseAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Belachew Asalf TadesseAbstract
No abstract has been registered
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No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Due to the economic importance of protected strawberry production and its relatively high environmental impact, more sustainable cultivation methods are needed. This study compared alternative growing media effects on plant growth and berry production. 'Sonsation' strawberries were grown in six substrates: 100% peat, 100% wood fibre, 50% peat/50% wood fibre (with and without fertilizer), and two compost and wood fiber-based products ('Nittedal' peat-free and '29 mod' peat-reduced). Irrigation treatments included standard fertigation and pure water (for 'Nittedal' and '29 mod'). In the first five weeks, the tallest (35 cm) and shortest (30 cm) plants were recorded in '29 mod' and 'Nittedal' grown on pure water, respectively. The other treatments showed consistent plant height between 33–35 cm. While peat-based media resulted in the highest yield, alternative materials performed similarly, except for a lower yield in the peat-free 'Nittedal' with pure water, with no added fertilizer. This treatment also had fewer inflorescences per plant and lower biomass production. In addition, pH and electrical conductivity measurements indicated that peat-reduced and peat-free substrates maintained optimal pH levels for strawberry growth (between 5.5-6.5). Overall, while peat-based media produced the best-performing plants, the more sustainable alternatives demonstrated comparable performance, making them viable options for strawberry cultivation.