Welcome to our first newsletter from the Faculty of Forest Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
Here we share research highlights, upcoming events and job opportunities. The newsletter will come once a month.
Göran Ericsson, dean.
Kelley Basset in the archive in SLU, Umeå, Sweden.
Rediscovered archive reveals why boreal forests are getting starved for nitrogen
Despite decades of industrial deposition, nitrogen availability in the boreal forest is steadily declining. In a new study published in Nature researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have found a clear connection to atmospheric CO₂ - using decades of unique, stored data.
Youth take on responsibility for forests in Africa
Africa’s young population plays an increasingly important role in sustainably managing the continent’s forests. New initiatives and workshops in Kenya and Cameroon, show how local knowledge, digital tools and entrepreneurship contributes to a sustainable forestry and green economy. Read more.
Rainforest decline challenges traditional wood use
The forest is vital for the local population in Madagascar. A new study shows how culture and traditions govern which tree species are preferred in everyday life. The study provides knowledge that is needed to support the population and reduce pressure on the forest. Read more.
Oak needs active management in CCF
Oak, a key species for biodiversity, requires active management to handle competition from other trees in continuous cover forestry.
“Without targeted efforts, oak forests risk being dominated by old trees", says Nora Sophie Pohl.
How does spruce resist fungus root rot?
In his doctoral project, Isak Ingerholt, investigates how spruce trees defend themselves against pathogenic fungi. He studies which genes in spruce trees control important protective mechanisms and how they can contribute to the tree's resistance.
Spruce bark can replace toxic chemicals
Maria Hedberg has found that a simple decoction made from spruce bark may offer a better alternative to the harsh chemicals traditionally used to prevent the formation of dangerous gases and slime in paper mills and wastewater systems.
Trees use warm spells to track winter’s progress
To survive winter, trees must time spring growth with great precision. New research shows that trees also use warm interruptions in early winter as signals, helping buds avoid opening too early.
Researchers now have access to a new stairway tower at Asa Research Station, which continuously collects and analyzes image and environmental data from the surrounding forest.
Established in 2025, the tower stands 25 meters tall and is equipped with multispectral sensors and a phenology camera. It is located in a young spruce stand that has undergone precision fertilization since 2016. If you are interested in utilizing the tower, please contact the unit for field-based forest research.
New arena for forest research and data analysis
A national research arena for forests is now being launched within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research programme at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Umeå University. The arena combines advanced data analysis and field research to support sustainable forest management. Read more.
Join us at the 12th BIOGEOMON Conference, June 8th - 11th in Umeå.
Twenty sessions covering the complexity of environmental change in and between the bio-, hydro-, geo- and atmosphere.
Research infrastructures in focus during a day of field excursions.
The BIOGEOMON conference is an open, interdisciplinary forum for sharing the latest discoveries and exploring future directions in ecosystem biogeochemistry.
We especially encourage participation from early career scientists and graduate students, fostering collaboration and fresh perspectives in this growing field.
The Faculty of Forest Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is an important center for higher education and research in the forest sector. International rankings show time and again that research at the faculty is world-leading.
This newsletter will be sent out once a month. Contact us on sluskog@slu.se.
