Intensive harvesting by repeated whole-tree extraction in forest ecosystems – effects on stem-growth, carbon stock and growth in the next forest generation

Utilisation of forest biomass will have a leading role in Sweden becoming a fossil-free and bio-based economy. The amount of forest biomass available depends on area available, biomass stock, growth rate and harvest intensity.

In this study we investigate how harvest intensity affects long-term biomass production of forest ecosystems, and if compensatory fertilisation is necessary. After 40 years, in three long-term field trials, the effect of whole-tree harvest (stems + tops and branches) is compared with stem harvest only, on tree growth and carbon stock after repeated thinnings and nutrient compensation. The field trials are then clear-felled and re-established to repeat the different treatments and monitor the development of the next forest generation.

The project contributes with knowledge about harvest intensity and nutrient compensation, to determine if intensive harvest of forest biomass is sustainable in the long term.