Climate tolerant and carbon fixing tree seedlings

Strengthening the carbon sink and storage of future forests is key in reaching national and regional carbon neutrality goals. This requires fast regeneration of forests after cuttings and forest regeneration material that withstands the changing climate. In the warmer climate the tolerance of tree seedlings to drought and other stresses becomes increasingly important. The root system is equally important for carbon sequestration as the shoot and has often been neglected in studying for instance the impact of tree breeding for forest growth. For drought tolerance the root system is of utmost importance.

In this project we study the effects of warming air and soil to the carbon balance and growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings. The methods used for determining carbon balance are net photosynthesis, soil respiration, above- and below-ground growth, and carbon content and ergosterol content of the roots. The measurements will take place in the new stress test field in Natural Resources Institute Finland, Suonenjoki. The plant material will consist of seedlings with varying genetic gain.

Another dimension of the project is to study the impact of novel growth media, alternative to conventional peat substrate, to nursery production, seedling yields and out-planting success. To decrease carbon emissions and detrimental effects for water-bodies, there is a pressure to substitute peat with other, more sustainable materials in container nursery production. However, there is little knowledge of the impact of this change on seedling quality and out-planting success, both impacting the overall carbon budget of forest regeneration activities.

The results will be published and freely accessed. The project is partially funded by European Regional Development Fund. Kekkilä-BVB Oy, Suonenjoen kaupunki, Partaharjun puutarha, Metsäliitto Osuuskunta, UPM Metsä and Pohjan Taimi Oy are the partners of the project.