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
Klaus Steenberg Larsen Carl-Fredrik Johannesson Jenni Nordén Holger Lange Hanna Marika SilvennoinenAbstract
Non-steady-state chambers are widely used for measuring the exchange of greenhouse gases (GHGs) between soils or ecosystems and the atmosphere. It is known that non-steady-state chambers induce a non-linear concentration development inside the chamber after closure, even across short chamber closure periods, and that both linear and non-linear flux estimates are impacted by the chamber closure period itself. However, despite the existence of recommendations on how long to keep the chamber closed, it has been little explored to what extent the length of the chamber closure period affects the estimated flux rates, and which closure periods may provide the most accurate linear and non-linear flux estimates. In the current study, we analyzed how linear regression and Hutchinson and Mosier (1981) modeled flux estimates were affected by the length of the chamber closure period by increasing it in increments of 30 s, with a minimum and maximum chamber closure period of 60 and 300 s, respectively. Across 3,159 individual soil CO2 and CH4 flux measurements, the effect of chamber closure period length varied between 1.4–8.0% for linear regression estimates and between 0.4–17.8% for Hutchinson–Mosier estimates and the largest effect sizes were observed when the measured fluxes were high. Both linear regression and Hutchinson–Mosier based flux estimates decreased as the chamber closure period increased. This effect has been observed previously when using linear regression models, but the observed effect on Hutchinson-Mosier modeled estimates is a novel finding. We observed a clear convergence between the short-period linear regression estimates and the long-period Hutchinson–Mosier estimates, showing that closure periods as short as possible should be used for linear regression flux estimation, while ensuring long-enough closure periods to observe a stabilization of flux estimates over time when using the Hutchinson-Mosier model. Our analysis was based on soil flux measurements, but because the perturbation of the concentration gradient is related to the non-steady-state chamber technique rather than the measured ecosystem component, our results have implications for all flux measurements conducted with non-steady-state chambers. However, optimal chamber closure times may depend on individual chamber designs and analyzer setups, which suggests testing individual chamber/system designs for optimal measurement periods prior to field application
Authors
Carl-Fredrik Johannesson H. Ilvesniemi O. Janne Kjønaas K.S. Larsen A. Lehtonen Jenni Nordén D. Paré Hanna Marika Silvennoinen J. Stendahl I. Stupak L. Vesterdal Lise DalsgaardAbstract
Nordic and Canadian forests store substantial amounts of carbon (C) and are largely managed in a silvicultural system with clear-cut harvest. Previous meta-analyses of harvesting effects on soil C have shown short- to long-term declines after harvest, but effects of clear-cutting on boreal and northern temperate forest soil C stocks remain unresolved. We harmonized National Forest Soil Inventory (NFSI) data from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Canada to examine soil C stocks up to 53 years following clear-cut harvest using a space-for-time approach. We analyzed forest floor and mineral soil C stocks in coniferous and deciduous/mixed forests. Coniferous forest floor C stocks decreased for ∼30 years after clear-cutting: when at its lowest stock level, Picea and Pinus forest floor C stocks had decreased by 23 % and 14 % relative to initial stock levels, respectively. Picea forest floor C stocks then remained close to its lowest levels until 53 years after clear-cutting, while for Pinus-dominated forests they increased again and recovered to the pre-harvest level 48 years after clear-cutting. No C stock changes were detected in the 0–10 cm or 10–20 cm mineral soil layers, while a small increase in 55–65 cm mineral soil was detected in Podzol soils. Data was too limited to detect statistical signals of clear-cutting for deciduous/mixed forests. Our results shows that clear-cut harvest has substantial and long-lasting effects on northern temperate and boreal forest soil C storage, and that combining data from several NFSIs can help elucidate forest management effects on soil C storage. Soil organic carbonForest harvestClear-cuttingBorealTemperateNational forest inventoryNational forest soil inventory
Abstract
Long-term monitoring of ecosystems is the only direct method to provide insights into the system dynamics on a range of timescales from the temporal resolution to the duration of the record. Time series of typical environmental variables reveal a striking diversity of trends, periodicities, and long-range correlations. Using several decades of observations of water chemistry in first-order streams of three adjacent catchments in the Harz mountains in Germany as example, we calculate metrics for these time series based on ordinal pattern statistics, e.g. permutation entropy and complexity, Fisher information, or q-complexity, and other indicators like Tarnopolski diagrams. The results are compared to those obtained for reference statistical processes, like fractional Brownian motion or ß noise. After detrending and removing significant periodicities from the time series, the distances of the residuals to the reference processes in this space of metrics serves as a classification of nonlinear dynamical behavior, and to judge whether inter-variable or rather inter-site differences are dominant. The classification can be combined with knowledge about the processes driving hydrochemistry, elucidating the connections between the variables. This can be the starting point for the next step, constructing causal networks from the multivariate dataset.
Abstract
In terrestrial ecosystems, forest stands are the primary drivers of atmospheric moisture and local climate regulation, making the quantification of transpiration (T) at the stand level both highly relevant and scientifically important. Stand-level T quantification complements evapotranspiration monitoring by eddy-covariance systems, providing valuable insight into the water use efficiency of forested ecosystems in addition to serving as important inputs for the calibration and validation of global transpiration monitoring products based on satellite observations. Stand level T estimates are typically obtained by scaling up individual tree estimates of water movement within the xylem – or sap flow. This movement affects the radius of a tree stem, whose fluctuations over the diel cycle provide pertinent information about tree water relations which can be readily detected by point (or precision) dendrometers. While sap flow measurements have greatly advanced our understanding of water consumption (T) at the level of individual trees, deploying conventional sap flow monitoring equipment to quantify T at the level of entire forested stands (or ecosystems) can quickly become costly since sap flow measurements from many trees are required to reduce the uncertainty of the upscaling. Using a boreal old-growth Norway spruce stand at an ICOS site in Southern Norway as a case study, we assess the potential of augmenting conventional sap flow monitoring systems with sap flow modeling informed by point dendrometer measurements to reduce the uncertainty of stand level T estimation at the daily resolution. We test the hypothesis that the uncertainty reduction afforded by a boosted tree sample size more than offsets the propagation of uncertainty originating from the point dendrometer-based sap flow estimates.
Abstract
• Definitions of continuous cover forestry (CCF) vary among countries, and are often a political compromise. • We offer a common definition of CCF for this book, which can be found in a text box below. • The three silvicultural systems included in CCF are described briefly. • Conversion to CCF will be an important activity in the near future, but approaches to and experiences of conversion to CCF are largely lacking in Fennoscandia. • Methods need to be developed for how to assess the suitability of forest stands for CCF or conversion to CCF. • Bad practices and experiences with selective cutting in Fennoscandia before 1950 have led to a loss of experience and willingness to apply CCF. • Climate adaptation will make it necessary to modify CCF approaches in the region, especially given the limited number of shade-tolerant species. • In this book we summarize peer-reviewed scientific articles and research reports from Finland, Sweden, and Norway on continuous cover forestry (CCF), i.e. forestry without clearcutting • This book originates from growing interest in CCF among various stakeholders, and aims to promote discussion, further research, and inform decision-makers • The book targets those interested in boreal forests, forest management, and ecosystem services • In this chapter we review the background to the use of CCF and the reasons that led to its prohibition and subsequent resurgence in the Nordic countries
Authors
Mikolaj Lula Kjersti Holt Hanssen Martin Goude Hannu Hökkä Sauli Valkonen Andreas Brunner Pasi Rautio Charlotta Erefur Aksel GranhusAbstract
• In the context of continuous cover forestry (CCF), natural regeneration is the preferred form of regeneration, but it is a long-lasting and complex process. Shelter density has a large effect on the regeneration process and results. • The selection system, particularly suited for shade-tolerant species like Norway spruce, relies on continuous regeneration and ingrowth into larger size classes. Regeneration and ingrowth rates vary significantly among stands, influenced by site and historical factors, with no clear relationship to current stand conditions. • In the group system, edge trees influence regeneration by providing seeds, checking weed growth, and exerting competition. Regeneration in gaps is generally satisfactory for both Norway spruce and Scots pine. However, seedlings usually grow slower, especially close to the gap edges. • The shelterwood system promotes regeneration through a successive, uniform opening of the canopy. Shelter trees provide seeds, and reduce seedling damage and competition from ground vegetation. On the other hand, the remaining overstorey shelter trees reduce seedling growth. • Conversion to the selection system initiates regeneration in young stands, aiming for slow and steady regeneration. Given the rapid growth and crown closure in young stands, frequent manipulation of shelter density is essential during conversion, for example by opening small gaps.
Authors
Simone Bianchi Andreas Brunner Kjersti Holt Hanssen Hannu Hökkä Urban Nilsson Nils Fahlvik Jari HynynenAbstract
• There is still a lack of knowledge on growth and yield (G&Y) in continuous cover forestry (CCF). Most published studies are on the selection system with Norway spruce. • Published comparisons of the selection system with rotation forestry (RF) show contrasting results. Generally, there seems to be a trend toward faster stand growth in RF. • However, there are many uncertainties due to several confounding factors, such as stand-density effects, site-quality classification, and/or growth models used. Most studies do not properly account for all these factors, making it difficult to generalise their results. • The optimal stand density trade off for the selection system between stand growth and recruitment should be better investigated. Preliminary results show this could strongly affect stand growth. • There is even less knowledge related to G&Y during conversion, a potential bottleneck for full implementation of CCF in the region.
Authors
Mekjell Meland Oddmund Frøynes Darius Kviklys Uros Gasic Uroš Gašić Tomislav Tosti Milica Fotiric AksicAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich solid residual material produced by pyrolysis of organic material. In the pyrolysis, organic material is heated at 250°C–700°C under low oxygen concentrations, as a result of which heat energy, bio-oil, fuel gas products, and biochar will be gained. The most common production methods are slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, gasification, torrefaction, and hydrothermal carbonization. Biochar can be produced from a variety of organic materials, such as wood, agricultural crop residues, municipal wastes, manure, and food wastes. Feedstocks from forests and forestry may include bark, sawdust, and shavings from different tree species or tree parts, such as from harvest residues (branches and tops) and small diameter wood. Biochar can be used in several applications, such as soil amendment in agriculture and forestry, carbon sequestration, water purification, and soil remediation. Biochar has a long history in the use of soil conditioner since it has been utilized in the Amazon Basin of South America for more than 2500 years. These fertile, very productive soils are called Terra Preta, the black soil of the Indians or Amazonian dark earth. Terra Preta soils contain burned wood, crops and bones, and they have high carbon and nutrient content. Biochar has caught great attention over the last decade, yielding large number of scientific publications and many research advances. Biochar use has been studied extensively in agricultural soils. Much less research data are available from forest ecosystems, but the number of studies has rapidly increased in the recent years.
Abstract
Post-Consumer Wood (PCW) is a valuable resource that could substitute virgin wood in many applications. However, its integration into the wood processing chain requires detailed information on composition, content of contaminants, size, and shape. Here, PCW collected over eight months from three sorting facilities in southeastern Norway was analyzed for suitability in recycling. Shredded PCW from 24 samples was manually sorted based on material origin, analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, and the particle geometry was measured with an automated laser scanner. Based on the results, 39–67 % of the mixed PCW was made up by clean wood particles suitable for recycling. Wood-based panels within the PCW were not only a source of contaminants (adhesives, coatings) but also decreased the length-to-width ratio of the resulting particles and chips. The median heavy metal concentrations did not exceed the limit values issued by the European Panel Federation. However, individual samples and the fine fraction (< 8 mm) exceeded these limit values. Manual pre-sorting before shredding into chips increased the share of clean wood particles, prevented elevated fiberboard contents and significantly reduced heavy metal concentrations.