Carbon sinks in forests can be strengthened by changing forestry methods

Forest growth has decreased in Finland, while removals have increased. This has reduced carbon sinks in forests. Specified information about carbon dioxide emissions from drained peatland forests through the disintegration of peat has also reduced carbon sinks. Carbon sinks can be strengthened by moderate changes in forestry methods.

Moderately extending the rotation period, i.e. increasing the tree diameter for regeneration felling and avoiding any intense thinning, would significantly increase carbon sequestration in trees in commercial forests without reducing the production of commercial timber. However, the rotation period cannot be extended in forests in which various damage risks increase through the ageing of trees.

Continuous cover forestry can achieve significant climate benefits in thick peatlands in which it reduces carbon emissions from soil. In heath forests, research results of the climate impact of continuous cover forestry are contradictory, and factors other than whether even-aged or continuous cover forestry is selected are more relevant considering climate impact.

For climate benefits, protecting the vitality of trees and maintaining a sufficient number of trees that sequester carbon are key.