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The survival of young trees planted to combat climate change may be affected by saturated soils

Impact of Saturated Soil Conditions on Future Woodland Creation in UK Uplands: Study Findings

The saturated soil conditions predicted to result from increased rainfall in the UK’s upland regions could have a significant impact on the ambition to create more woodland in the fight against climate change, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth.

The researchers have been studying temperate rainforests as a potential nature-based solution to global challenges. They have found that the UK’s uplands are likely to experience higher annual rainfall than previously predicted by national climate models. This increase in rainfall could lead to higher soil water levels in areas such as Dartmoor, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands, affecting the survival rates of acorns and juvenile oak saplings.

Published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, the study emphasizes the importance of considering soil conditions when planning the creation of future temperate rainforests. Dr. Thomas Murphy, the lead author of the study and a Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth, explains that while there is a push to plant more trees to combat climate change, it is crucial to ensure that the woodlands support the natural colonization of trees in the future.

In the study, researchers planted English oak acorns in containers with varying soil saturation levels. They found that acorns did not survive in flooded soils, but survival rates improved as the water level decreased. The surviving seedlings in saturated soils exhibited reduced growth and photosynthesis compared to those in less saturated soils.

In a field experiment in Dartmoor, juvenile English oak and Sessile oak saplings were planted in seasonally waterlogged areas. The English oaks showed better growth and photosynthesis in less saturated soils compared to their counterparts in more saturated soils. These results highlight the importance of understanding how soil conditions influence tree development.

Dr. Murphy stresses the need to consider the response of young trees to climate conditions, especially when planning for the long-term resilience of woodlands. By studying how trees respond to current conditions and predicting future changes, researchers can better determine the right tree species for specific locations, ultimately creating more resilient woodlands in the face of climate change.

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