Kjersti Holt Hanssen
Research Scientist
Biography
Abstract
Biochar, a carbon‐rich product of pyrolysis, is increasingly considered for soil amendment and climate change mitigation due to its potential to enhance soil properties and sequester carbon. However, its effects on tree growth in forest ecosystems remain uncertain. This study investigated the impact of biochar and nitrogen‐enriched biochar on the growth of two middle‐aged (approximately 60‐year‐old) Scots pine stands in southeastern Norway. Both stands were characterized by medium site indices and podzolic soils. In replicated field experiments, we applied four treatments consisting of an unfertilized control, and addition of biochar (2.5 t ha −1 ), nitrogen fertilizer (150 kg N ha −1 ), or biochar loaded with nitrogen (2.5 t biochar +150 kg N ha −1 ). The biochar was produced by pyrolysis of Norway spruce wood chips at 600°C. After 5 years, only treatments containing added nitrogen (either as mineral fertilizer or as nutrient‐enriched biochar) significantly increased basal area and volume growth compared to control. No significant difference in timing or magnitude of effects was observed between the nitrogen and biochar + nitrogen treatments, except better annual growth in the combined treatment the third year after fertilization, indicating rapid nitrogen release and uptake regardless of carrier. Pure biochar did not stimulate tree growth. While biochar did not negatively affect growth, its direct role as a growth stimulant was not supported under these conditions, at least in the short‐term with the dose of 2.5 t ha −1 . Further research is needed across different forest ages, site types, and application rates to fully understand biochar's potential in forestry.
Abstract
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Conference lecture – Foryngelsen på Kontusfeltene – noen resultater etter 20 år
Kjersti Holt Hanssen
Authors
Kjersti Holt HanssenAbstract
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Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
FORESIGHT: Forest opportunities, risks and ecosystem services in a changing climate in Norway
Forest ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from climate change, emerging pests and pathogens, and more frequent extreme weather events. When such disturbances occur simultaneously—or interact with one another—the risk of severe damage can increase substantially. The FORESIGHT project aims to understand these complex, interacting challenges and to translate this knowledge into practical applications.
Division of Forest and Forest Resources
SFI SmartForest: Bringing Industry 4.0 to the Norwegian forest sector
SmartForest will position the Norwegian forest sector at the forefront of digitalization resulting in large efficiency gains in the forest sector, increased production, reduced environmental impacts, and significant climate benefits. SmartForest will result in a series of innovations and be the catalyst for an internationally competitive forest-tech sector in Norway. The fundamental components for achieving this are in place; a unified and committed forest sector, a leading R&D environment, and a series of progressive data and technology companies.