Study Finds Increased Rainfall Could Impact Woodland Expansion Efforts in UK’s Upland Regions
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.
Temperate rainforests have been identified as an effective nature-based solution to some of the planet’s greatest challenges, and the UK’s uplands have been considered as potential locations for expanding woodland. However, the research conducted by the University of Plymouth suggests that higher soil water levels within areas such as Dartmoor, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands could affect the survival rates of acorns and juvenile oak saplings.
The study, published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when planning the creation of temperate rainforests in the future. Dr. Thomas Murphy, the lead author of the study and a Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth, emphasized the need to understand how soil saturation levels can impact the survival and growth of trees in these regions.
The researchers conducted experiments planting acorns from English oaks 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 study also included field experiments with juvenile oak saplings, which showed differences in growth and photosynthesis rates based on soil saturation levels.
Dr. Murphy highlighted the importance of considering the response of young trees to changing environmental conditions, especially in the context of climate change. By understanding how different tree species respond to soil saturation levels, landowners, managers, and policymakers can make more informed decisions about which trees to plant in specific locations to create resilient woodlands.
Overall, the research underscores the need for a better understanding of how soil conditions influence tree development and the importance of selecting the right tree species for future woodland restoration and expansion efforts. By considering both current and future environmental conditions, it is possible to create more resilient and sustainable woodlands that can contribute to the fight against climate change.