Species Diversification in Silviculture to Support Climate Resilience

Projects related to the National Forest Strategy of Finland -page
Projects related to the Climate Plan for the Land Use Sector -page 
Precision forestry projects in the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Finland -page 

Participants

Natural Resources Institute (LUKE), Finnish Forest Centre (SMK)

Project description

Duration: 2022-2024

The aim of the project is to develop methods and practices to increase artificial regeneration of
broadleaved trees and other less utilized tree species in Finnish silviculture and their use in the
establishment of mixed stands. A precision forestry tool will be developed to assist in choosing the
right species for each regeneration site and micro-site. Regimes for juvenile stand management in
mixed stands will also be developed.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is currently the dominant tree species in forest regeneration. The
species is expected to suffer severely from climate change due to its susceptibility to drought and
to root rot and bark beetle outbreaks, favored by the increasing temperatures. Increasing the tree
species diversity in artificial forest regeneration and early stand management will thus assist in
maintaining forest health, growth and carbon sequestration in the changing climate.

The project includes a knowledge dissemination work package aimed to increase the awareness of
forestry professionals and forest owners of the need to diversify the species selection as well as of
the new management options developed.

Additional information
Senior Scientist Katri Himanen p. +358 29 532 5276, katri.himanen@luke.fi

Additional information on project site of the Natural Resources Institute LUKE (in Finnish)