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.
2025
Abstract
Northern Norway’s unique conditions support large-scale cultivation of root brassicas despite short seasons and low temperatures. However, climate change, pest problems, and logistical hurdles present challenges.
Abstract
The new European organic regulation claims that cultivation must occur directly in soil in greenhouses. Cultivation practices in accordance with organic principles require the use of sustainable growing media and the addition of compost for soil improvement, preferably local resources. Soil improvement aims to achieve good soil health, including biological soil activity, nutrient availability, and favourable physical properties. However, only a few studies have been conducted on biological soil health in greenhouses. Biological soil activity was monitored in a greenhouse cucumber experiment on organic soil enriched with biochar and supplemented with local 1) compost, 2) solid digestate from biogas production, or 3) imported peat. The effects of silage mulching were also tested. Biological activity was measured in the soil using different indicators, while plant growth was monitored above soil. Results indicated that the mixture with compost contained more organic matter than other mixtures. Biological activity in the compost mixture was lower and started later than in the other mixtures. Silage mulch increased biological activity in all mixtures. Respiration rates and fungi content classified all three mixtures as stable growing media. At the start of the experiment, nitrogen content and pH levels in all three mixtures were similar. The peat mixture required the most mineral amendments, phosphorous content was highest in solid digestate and lowest in peat. Plant nutrient turnover to the plants was appropriate, although a lack of micronutrients was observed. Yields performed well. Our results show that biological activity in compost starts later in compost compared to the other mixtures. Anyhow compost is considered a key component of soil health. Fungi:bacteria balance was similar and comparable to measurements in Norwegian organically managed soil. Indicators were useful at farm level; they could be diversified further. Local compost and digestate performed as good as peat.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Volkmar Timmermann Nenad Potočić Anne-Katrin Prescher Alexa Michel Katrin Haggenmüller Till KirchnerAbstract
In 2024, our sample remained stable with 27 participating countries and the largest number of assessed plots since 2019. We witnessed a very slight increase of 0.2 percentage points (%p) in mean defoliation as compared to 2023, mainly due to an increase of 0.5%p for broadleaves, while defoliation of conifers remained almost unchanged (0.1%p decrease). The strongest increase in defoliation occurred in deciduous (sub-) Mediterranean oaks (+2.1%p), while the strongest decrease was recorded in Norway spruce (-0.8%p). Deciduous temperate oaks had the highest (29.7%) and Norway spruce the lowest (22.4%) mean defoliation. Trend analyses show a considerable increase in defoliation of evergreen oaks (7.1%p), common beech (6%p), Norway spruce (5.5%p), and deciduous temperate oaks (5%p) over the past 20 years. The increase in defoliation for Scots pine and Mediterranean lowland pines (3.7 and 3.3%p, respectively) was more moderate. The results of the trend analyses were not significant for deciduous (sub-) Mediterranean oaks and Austrian pine. The percentage of trees with damage symptoms (48.6%) was almost the same as in 2023 (-0.5%p). As in previous years, the number of damage symptoms per assessed tree was substantially higher for broadleaves than for conifers (0.86 vs. 0.55, respectively). Insects, abiotic causes, and fungi were the most common damage agent groups for all species, comprising altogether more than half of all damage records. Tree mortality in 2024 was 1.1% (1 145 trees), i.e. at the same level as in the year before. While mortality rates for the main species and species groups ranged from 0.6 to 1.6%, mortality of Betula spp. and European ash was higher with 2.4% and 7% respectively.
Authors
Volkmar TimmermannAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Martha Kandziora Christian Brochmann Abel Gizaw Seid A Lovisa S Gustafsson Desalegn Chala GeleteAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Poster Presentation at the 58th European Marine Biology Symposium (EMBS) in Bodø, Norway | 6-9th July 2025
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ievina SturiteAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
No abstract has been registered