Summary
Soil is a natural resource, functioning as an integral link in the nutrient cycling of forest ecosystems. It is essential and irreplaceable. Changes in environmental conditions, together with some forestry practices threaten the ability of soils to function. Research into soil sustainability is thus essential to sustainable forest management.
Research Objectives
The overall objective of the programme is to conduct research to ensure that forest practices do not compromise soil sustainability, and to investigate the effects of pollutant deposition and climate change on soil functions.
Current research into the sustainability of soils includes:
- Effects of harvesting practices on soil sustainability
- Effects of air pollution on soil sustainability
- Effects of climate change on the sustainability of forest soils
- Identification of soil quality indicators for soil sustainability
- Investigating fine roots of trees as indicators of environmental change, soil nutrient status and forest health
- Application of wood ash to forests
- Forest soil survey and monitoring – Forest Focus BioSoil project
- See also PhD Studentships associated with this programme.
General Content
Useful sites
Funding & Partners
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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University of Reading -
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
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Skogforsk (Norwegian Forest Research Institute)