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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

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Abstract Many studies that use an automated sorption balance to determine a water vapor sorption isotherm for wood collect data until the moisture content change is less than or equal to 0.002% min −1 (20 µg g −1 min −1 ). This stop criterion has been claimed to give errors in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) predictions of less than 0.001 g g −1 but over the past 10 years, studies have shown that the actual errors can be greater than 0.01 g g −1 because the measurements are stopped well before equilibrium is reached. Despite the large errors associated with this stop criterion, it remains popular due to the speed at which isotherms can be measured. This paper utilizes data from a worldwide interlaboratory study on automated sorption balances to develop a correction method for estimating EMC of western larch ( Larix occidentalis Nutt.) from the moisture content corresponding to the 20 µg g −1 min −1 criterion. The study uses data from 72 relative humidity absorption steps with hold times of 7–10 days from 21 different laboratories and eight different instrument models. EMC is defined based on the inherent mass stability of automated sorption balances determined in the first part of this interlaboratory study. On average the sorption process is less than 80% complete when the 20 µg g −1 min −1 criterion is reached, resulting in a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.006 g g −1 . The correction equation for estimating EMC reduces the MAE to 0.001 g g −1 . The analysis presented in this paper, along with the correction equation, can be considered for certain use cases to reduce systematic errors and shorten measurement times.

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Recycling nutrients and organic matter available as waste in urban areas may close nutrient gaps and improve soil quality, but the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly higher than in mineral fertilisers. How quickly may the limits for soil quality be exceeded, and for which elements, if such materials are applied intensively? For a rough answer to this question, we used soil data from ten case farms near Oslo and Bergen (Norway) to estimate how PTE concentrations increased when the demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in a theoretical carrot crop produced every year was covered by compost or digestate from source-separated food waste, or composted garden waste, compared with manure from horses and poultry which are often kept in peri-urban areas. With the intensive fertilisation assumed here, the Norwegian soil quality limits for PTEs were reached within 20–85 years, and faster for soil with more organic matter since regulatory limits set by weight discriminate soils with low bulk density. The limits were reached frst for Cu and Zn, which are both essential micronutrients for crop plants. The concentrations of macronutrients in the urban waste-based fertilisers were not well balanced. Rates covering the K demand would lead to high surpluses of P and N. In peri-urban vegetable growing, high applications of compost are not unusual, but more balanced fertilisation is required. The Norwegian regulations for PTEs in organic soil amendments and agricultural soil are stricter than in the EU, and do not support recycling of organic matter and nutrients from urban waste. Many materials which can only be applied with restricted amounts to Norwegian agricultural soil, may be applied according to crop demand in the EU. Growers utilising urban waste-based fertilisers intensively should monitor the soil regularly, including PTE analyses. Soil sampling should occur on fxed sampling points to reveal changes in concentrations over time. Norwegian authorities should consider a revision of the organic fertiliser regulation to support recycling of valuable organic materials. There is a need for more data on the PTE concentrations in agricultural soil and organic fertiliser materials

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Abstract Based on discussions within the Northern Tubers of Potato network (N’TOP-net), this review highlights northern Scandinavia’s potential for sustainable, low pest seed potato production. While long transport distances currently limit large-scale supply for consumption or processing, low pest pressure and stricter EU plant protection regulations increase its value for seed production. Climate change is expected to extend the growing season, driving renewed interest in Northern Scandinavia’s role in European food security. Finland exemplifies this potential, and parts of northern and central Sweden—historically suppliers of disease-free seed potatoes, even exported to Brazil—offer expansion opportunities. Nordic potato production, key biotic stressors, and opportunities for regional cooperation are examined, with a focus on novel farming practices, breeding innovations, and disease surveillance to improve resilience and sustainability. Despite shared values in cultivar selection, certification, and potato preferences, Nordic production strategies remain uncoordinated for long-term sustainability. We advocate for transnational, interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance Europe’s food security through joint efforts in three key areas: (1) soil-conserving farming, (2) breeding for adaptation to longer day length and resistance traits, and (3) transnational pest and disease surveillance. A Nordic potato initiative can strengthen European cooperation on sustainable production amid climate change. However, as policies must balance the benefits of longer growing seasons with emerging risks such as pests, droughts, and flooding, coordinated research, regulatory adaptation, and climate resilience investments are essential for safeguarding seed potato quality, food security, and supply chain stability.