Publications
NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.
2011
Abstract
Aims Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is an important species in natural and managed forests in Europe. This drought-sensitive species dominates even-aged stands as well more natural stands composed of a mixture of tree species, age and size classes. This study evaluates the extent that heterogeneity in spacing and tree diameter affect the seasonal availability and use of water. Methods Two stands were evaluated: 1) a heterogeneous forest remnant (NAT) with trees up to ca. 300 years old, a mean top height of 28.4 m, and a total of 733 stems ha-1 with stem diameters averaging 18 cm and 2) an even-aged 80-year old stand (MAN), with a height of 25 m, and a total of 283 stems ha-1 with diameters averaging 38 cm. Stem sap flow, Js (g m-2 s-1), was continuously measured in 12 (MAN) and 13 (NAT) trees using 20 mm long heat dissipation sensors. Individual tree measures of sap flow were correlated using non-linear statistical methods with air vapour pressure deficit (D, hPa) and global radiation (Rg, J m-2 day-1), along with contraints imposed by reductions in soil water content (SWC). Soil water content was measured as volumetric % using time domain reflectometry. Important findings The daily integrated Js (Js-sum) for trees growing in the evenly spaced MAN stand and trees in canopy and closed forest positions in NAT stand decreased as the availability of soil moisture was reduced. In the heterogeneous NAT stand, SWC in a recently formed canopy gap remained high throughout the vegetation period. Based on regression models, the predicted relative decrease in Js-sum for dry relative to moist soil water conditions in the closed forest (at mean daily D = 10 hPa) was 7-11% for trees near the gap and 39-42% for trees in the closed forest. In MAN the reduction in Js-sum was 29% in dry relative to moist conditions. Js-sum in the outer 20 mm of the xylem in NAT was lower than that in MAN and the rate of decline in Js with xylem depth was less in NAT than in MAN. In MAN, Js-sum in deep and outer xylem was negatively affected at low soil moisture availability; in NAT this was the case for only the outer xylem indicating that deep roots could be important in supplying water at times of low soil moisture in the upper soil.
Abstract
odronia canker (Godronia cassandrae f. sp. vaccinii) is a severe disease in young plantings of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in Norway. In Europe, only the imperfect stage (Topospora myrtillii) has been reported, and thus conidia produced in pycnidia are assumed to be important for dissemination of the fungus. The seasonal pattern of production of conidia was investigated in a commercial planting of ‘Jersey" in 1998 and a research planting of ‘Bluecrop" in 1998 to 2000. The disease became apparent in March on shoots infected the preceding growing season, and lesions started to form pycnidia containing conidia in April. Samples of stems with distinct lesions of Godronia canker were collected from the bushes every two to three weeks from early spring to autumn. Stem pieces with lesions were shaken in water to release conidia from the pycnidia, and the numbers of conidia were determined by microscopy. Conidia were present throughout the growing season, but the highest numbers occurred during May, with 106 to more than 107 conidia per lesion. The numbers generally decreased during July to 20 % or less of that found in May, and decreased further during September to around 4 %. Ability to germinate remained high throughout the period conidia were trapped, from April to November/December. Options to manage the disease are discussed.
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Alhaji S. JengAbstract
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Espen GovasmarkAbstract
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Espen GovasmarkAbstract
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The use of logging residues for bioenergy is encouraged in many countries, due to an increasing demand for renewable energy. However, there is concern that removal of logging residues may cause a long-term reduction in soil nutrient availability, reducing forest growth in the remaining stand. To quantify the growth response of Norway spruce and Scots pine to whole-three harvesting at first thinning a series of eight field experiments was set up in SE Norway in the seventies. Results after 25 years showed that whole-tree thinning lead to a decrease in forest growth. The effect was present more or less immediately after thinning, and was still present after 25 years. The average reduction in growth was around 10 % after 25 years in the spruce stands, while in the pine stands a non-significant average growth reduction of 4 % was found. The results are generated under experimental conditions, and in practice a share of the residues is left on site, decreasing the nutrient loss.
Authors
Hans Martin HanslinAbstract
No abstract has been registered