Project Idea

This project builds upon a Skogssällskapet-funded project (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.13131) that tested biochar as a mitigation tool to prevent carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) exports from forest management activities from reaching downstream ecosystems. In the earlier project, biochar was placed in ditches to capture excess C and N, mitigating the negative impacts of nutrient runoff. This follow-up project proposes to close the C and N cycle by extracting the biochar, now enriched with these nutrients, and returning it to the forest soils. The primary goal is to investigate whether reintroducing this enriched biochar into forest soils can enhance tree seedling growth by improving soil fertility. This project aims to promote forest regeneration while reducing nutrient export and environmental degradation downstream. By closing the nutrient loop, it seeks to retain valuable C and N within the forest ecosystem, where they can support growth rather than contribute to downstream brownification and eutrophication. This project is significant for the sustainable development of forest management, as it aligns with goals of nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and mitigating environmental harm. By preventing nutrient loss and enhancing soil quality, the project contributes to healthier forest ecosystems, improved water quality, and long-term climate resilience, fostering sustainable forest management practices that protect both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Method

The project could be implemented in a greenhouse study or the field. If done in the field, we would use the Trollberget Experimental Area where enriched biochar taken from the ditches will be returned to forest soils (2 doses). The experiment will evaluate how biochar improves seedling growth in field conditions by measuring biomass, height and soil C and N content. By combining these two approaches, we will assess the potential of enriched biochar to enhance forest regeneration under controlled and field conditions, providing valuable insights into its practical applications for sustainable forest management.

Previous work: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.13131

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