Working Packages

Working Package 1: Data centres and extrapolation tools

The large amount of experimental and environmental monitoring data related to SOC will be compiled and synthesized and the database will constitute a basis for the other working packages.

 

The compilation will facilitate scaling up of C sequestration for the whole region, through simple empirical models. Furthermore dynamic model runs throughout the region will be synthesized, to cover the temporal aspect of C sequestration, and to be able to predict the effect of different climate, deposition and forestry scenarios.

 

Working Package 2: Effects of forest management on SOC stock and C sequestration

Changes in soil C can result from management decisions such as choice of tree species, thinning, management system (continuous forest cover etc), which affect soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Moreover, the effects of (i) repeated nutrient addition to increase tree biomass production and ii) harvesting and removal of branches, tops and stumps to increase biofuel production will be investigated.

 

Working Package 3: C & N interactions, process understanding and effect of N deposition on C sequestration

Experimental data and modelling results in the participating countries provide an excellent basis for in-depth studies on C-N interactions in forest soils to increase process understanding. Fertilization experiments, data on nitrate leaching, experiments focusing on the role of mycorrhiza in C sequestration and studies on the effect of N addition on microorganisms will be synthesized. The process descriptions related to C-N interactions in the dynamic models will be examined in the light of the acquired knowledge as a basis for model improvements.

Addition of fertiliser N often increases the SOC pool, but it is still an unsolved question if this increase is dependent on i) increased litterfall/root litter or ii) reduction in decomposition rate. We will try to determine which of these factors are contributing most to the increase in the SOC amount and if the impact of these factors varies with N status and temperature.

 

Working Package 4: Land use change effects on SOC stock and C sequestration, afforestation and succession

Part of the present forest land in the Nordic region has undergone large-scale historical land-use changes, often involving initial deforestation for agriculture or livestock grazing. In parts of the region (Island, Denmark) such historical changes may even have involved severe soil erosion and almost a complete loss of SOC on large areas.

 

Later on, forest cover has been reestablished, either by planting or natural expansion. The dynamics in SOC build-up directly following reestablishment of forest cover on treeless areas and the long-term impact of such land-use changes on the forest SOC stocks are poorly understood. Such issues will be addressed by the network.

 

Working Package 5: Synthesis, coordination and dissemination

Facilitating the group to fulfill the ambitious aims. The groups involved are all well established with a considerable international network often based on current or previous coordination and participation in EU projects. Several of the groups participate in two COST-actions Greenhouse Gas Budget of Soils under Changing Climate and Land-Use and Belowground Carbon Turnover in European Forests that are relevant gateways to international contacts.