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'Horses for courses' : an interrogation of tools for marine ecosystem-based management
Full text linkMarine Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) approaches are a well-established and fundamental component of international agreements and treaties, regional seas conventions, assessment strategies, European Directives and national and regional instruments. However, there is the need to interrogate and clarify the implementation of EBM approaches under current marine management. Although particular focus here is within the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), all lessons learned are applicable to marine assessments and management in seas worldwide given that all marine management instruments aim to ensure sustainability in marine ecosystems and human uses. Notably, the MSFD aims to ensure that Good Environmental Status (GES) will be achieved thereby enabling the sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems to deliver ecosystem services and societal goods and benefits while at the same time being adaptive to rapid climate and environmental changes. As a clear understanding of EBM and the tools available to achieve it is needed for practitioners, regulators and their advisors, the analysis here firstly presents the current understanding of EBM (including its origin and application) and the wider 26 principles on which it is based. Secondly, we identify the key elements that are addressed by those principles (18 key EBM elements). Thirdly, we identify the types of tools available for use in the EBM context (19 tool groups). Fourthly we analyze the suitability of tool types to deliver the key EBM elements using an expert judgement approach. Finally, we conclude with the lessons learned from the use of those tools and briefly indicate how they could be combined to help achieve EBM in the most effective way. It is emphasized that no single tool is likely to satisfy all aspects of EBM and therefore employing a complementary suite of tools as part of a toolbox is recommended
Dynamics of fine-root decomposition and its response to site nutrient regimes in boreal drained-peatland and mineral-soil forests
Full text linkFine roots may contribute significantly to soil organic matter pool in forest ecosystems; however, their decomposition is often overlooked in studies on litter decomposition and carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. To address this gap, we conducted a five-year litterbag experiment encompassing three representative tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Betula pubescens), and one fern species (Dryopteris carthusiana) across various boreal peatland forest types, comparing them with corresponding rates in upland forests on mineral soils. Litterbags were recovered annually, and mass remaining was first characterized by three different model types with varying complexity. Based on this preliminary screening, we chose for the final analyses a double-exponential model, which examined parameters A, i.e. the proportion of material in the slow-decomposing pool, k1, the mass loss rate of the slow-decomposing pool, and k2, the rate of mass loss in the fast-decomposing pool. Fine-root decomposition exhibited significant variation with soil type and nutrient regime. In mineral soil, lower k1 values indicated slower decomposition in more nutrient-rich sites. Conversely, in peat soil, higher k1 values indicated faster decomposition in more nutrient-rich sites. Soil depth and root diameter emerged as influential factors, with deeper layers and larger diameter roots exhibiting slower decomposition rates. Species-specific effects were also significant, with D. carthusiana exhibiting the lowest A value, indicating faster initial decomposition compared to tree species. Among the tree species, differences in A value were minor, with variation observed primarily in k1 value, where P. abies had the lowest rate. No significant effects on k2 value were observed. These findings underscore the complex interplay between species characteristics, soil type, site nutrient regimes, and root morphology in determining fine-root decomposition dynamics in boreal forests. Importantly, our results show that soil type must be considered when modeling decomposition dynamics
Regeneration
Full text linkIn the context of continuous cover forestry (CCF), natural regeneration is the preferred form of regeneration, but it is a long-lasting and complex process. Shelter density has a large effect on the regeneration process and results.
The selection system, particularly suited for shade-tolerant species like Norway spruce, relies on continuous regeneration and ingrowth into larger size classes. Regeneration and ingrowth rates vary significantly among stands, influenced by site and historical factors, with no clear relationship to current stand conditions.
In the group system, edge trees influence regeneration by providing seeds, checking weed growth, and exerting competition. Regeneration in gaps is generally satisfactory for both Norway spruce and Scots pine. However, seedlings usually grow slower, especially close to the gap edges.
The shelterwood system promotes regeneration through a successive, uniform opening of the canopy. Shelter trees provide seeds, and reduce seedling damage and competition from ground vegetation. On the other hand, the remaining overstorey shelter trees reduce seedling growth.
Conversion to the selection system initiates regeneration in young stands, aiming for slow and steady regeneration. Given the rapid growth and crown closure in young stands, frequent manipulation of shelter density is essential during conversion, for example by opening small gaps
Definitions and Terminology: What Is Continuous Cover Forestry in Fennoscandia?
Full text linkDefinitions of continuous cover forestry (CCF) vary among countries, and are often a political compromise.
We offer a common definition of CCF for this book, which can be found in a text box below.
The three silvicultural systems included in CCF are described briefly.
Conversion to CCF will be an important activity in the near future, but approaches to and experiences of conversion to CCF are largely lacking in Fennoscandia.
Methods need to be developed for how to assess the suitability of forest stands for CCF or conversion to CCF.
Bad practices and experiences with selective cutting in Fennoscandia before 1950 have led to a loss of experience and willingness to apply CCF.
Climate adaptation will make it necessary to modify CCF approaches in the region, especially given the limited number of shade-tolerant species
Multiple Use of Forests
Full text linkSustainable forest management approaches, regardless of whether they involve continuous cover forestry (CCF) or rotation forestry (RF), require a holistic landscape perspective that acknowledges the multiple interests, values, and uses that depend on the locally relevant economic, ecological, and socio-cultural circumstances. These must be considered alongside the use of forests and forest landscapes as a resource for rural development.
Forests provide a wide range of goods and services. Those addressed here (i.e. tourism, recreation, health, grazing, non-timber forest products, and societal protection from natural hazards) are a subset of all of those potential services that are already considered to be of special significance for the Nordic region.
Most recreational users consider variation in the forest landscape and long-distance views as visually attractive but think that clearcuttings and soil tilling are harmful.
In general, CCF favours bilberries, while lingonberries and some mushrooms benefit from even-aged forestry.
Owing to the many and varied demands relating to forests and forest landscapes in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, CCF-supported multiple-use strategies and planning will need to consider stakeholder requirements more, now and in the future, than is currently the case
Water Quality
Full text linkConventional forest operations can exert significant impacts on the hydrology and water quality of downstream aquatic environments.
Few research results have been published on the impacts of continuous cover forestry (CCF) on water quality.
CCF could be useful for reducing nutrient, carbon, and suspended solid exports in waterways.
CCF may be a better alternative to rotation forestry (RF) on mineral soils and drained peatlands.
Further research is needed on the many processes controlling nutrient and carbon exports in CCF and RF
Decreasing R:FR ratio in a grow light spectrum increases inflorescence yield but decreases plant specialized metabolite concentrations in Cannabis sativa
Full text linkCultivation of Cannabis sativa for recreational and pharmaceutical purposes has been increasing significantly in recent years due to legalization in many countries. Cultivation takes place regularly indoors under varying artificial lighting sources. There is a lack of scientific knowledge on the effect of light spectrum on the C. sativa morphology, yield, and quality, especially the cannabinoid and terpene concentrations in the female inflorescences in indoor environments. Furthermore, only a handful of the spectra studies conducted so far study or discuss the effect of far-red radiation, while the effect of other wavelengths, such as UV or blue, has gained more attention. This study had two aims: (1) to examine plant morphology and inflorescence yield under varying red to far-red ratio (R:FR) treatments with equal photon flux densities (380–780 nm), and (2) to examine the possible relationship of the cannabinoid and terpene concentrations with the spectrum’s R:FR ratio, Plant material was collected as cuttings from C. sativa ‘Finola’ mother plants and grown under 18 h photoperiod before transferring them under the light treatments for 49 days (550 μmol m−2 s−1, 12 h/12 h dark/light). Light treatments were created with two types of LED fixtures, white spectrum (380–780 nm) and far-red (730 nm), which were used to create four R:FR ratio treatments; R:FR 3, 5, 9, and 12. Plant morphology was affected by the R:FR ratio; under the lowest R:FR (3) treatment plants were tallest, and the apical inflorescence dry weight decreased linearly with increasing R:FR ratio. The concentrations of many terpenes and cannabinoids including cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), increased with increasing R:FR ratio. In conclusion, spectra with different R:FR ratios can be used as a tool at different growth phases to modify the plant morphology, inflorescence yield, and cannabinoid and terpene concentrations
Integrating policy targets into product environmental impact assessments: A case study with Finnish agricultural products
Full text linkPolitical objectives aimed at reducing environmental impacts currently face challenges in effectively assessing achievement at product level. Applying the principles of Absolute Environmental Sustainability Assessment (AESA, or Planetary Boundaries-based Life Cycle Assessment, PB-LCA) to these targets could be a way forward to evaluate a product's performance against political targets. Here, we explore the possibilities of assigning emission budgets for agricultural products based on political and scientific targets utilising the principles of PB-LCA. We tested these principles by assessing a few Finnish agricultural products; wheat, peas, milk, and beef. First, we identified national and EU-level political targets relevant to agricultural products produced in Finland. Then these targets alongside scientific planetary boundary targets were translated to emission budgets for products by first sharing the targets equal per capita and then using two different sharing principles; calorie-based and nutrition-based. In the last step, the environmental impacts of the products were compared with the emission budget assigned to each product. The results demonstrated that the method used to assign the emission budgets affects the results, nutrition-based sharing leading to better performance compared to calorie-based sharing. Beef exceeded its budget in almost all impact categories, while the results for milk and peas depended on the sharing principle used. Wheat's impacts were within the budget across all categories. The results show that both political and scientific targets can evaluate a product's sustainability performance, and comparing environmental impacts against political targets can provide new insights for decision-makers
Fungal communities in boreal soils are influenced by land use, agricultural soil management and depth
No full textSynteesiraportti: Maatalouden rakennemuutoksesta yritystoiminnan muutokseen
Full text linkMaatalouden keskimääräinen kannattavuus on pitkään ollut heikko ja kannattavuuden parantaminen on ollut keskeinen alan tavoite jo vuosien ajan. Maataloustuotannon reaaliarvo ja maataloussektorin vuotuinen yrittäjätulo ovatkin pitkällä aikavälillä tarkasteltuna olleet laskusuuntaisia. Suomen maatilat muodostavat kuitenkin moninaisen joukon ja maatiloilla on erilaisia rooleja. Tuotannon arvoltaan suurimmat, noin 20 % kaikista tiloista (noin 9 000 yritystä, lähinnä kotieläintiloja ja kasvihuoneyrityksiä), vastasivat vuosina 2022–2023 noin 84 %:sta maatalouden tuotoista. Vastaavasti 20 % kunkin tuotantosuunnan suurimmista tiloista tuotti yhteensä keskimäärin 58 % maatalouden kokonaistuotoksesta.
Maataloussektori on polarisoitunut sekä tuotantorakenteen että kannattavuuden osalta. Maatalouden tulot riittävät harvoin päätoimiseksi elinkeinoksi, ja maataloustulojen osuus keskimääräisen maataloutta harjoittavan kotitalouden kokonaistuloista on laskenut 34 %:sta
24 %:iin vuosina 2004–2021. Metsätalouden osuus tuloista on kasvanut, ja osalla maatalousyrittäjistä tulot muodostuvat useista lähteistä, kuten palkkatuloista ja eläketuloista. Alalle mahtuu kuitenkin samanaikaisesti sekä hyvin että heikosti kannattavaa maataloutta. Tämä kehitys on voimistunut: esimerkiksi viime vuosien hintavaihtelut ovat tarjonneet monille tiloille menestymisen mahdollisuuksia, mutta samaan aikaan myös maksuvalmiusongelmat ovat kärjistyneet monilla maatalousyrityksillä.
Keskiarvoihin perustuvat tarkastelut eivät kuvaa riittävän hyvin koko maataloussektorin taloudellista tilannetta. Informaatiota on mahdollista parantaa tarkasteluilla, jotka tuovat esiin taloudellisen muuttujan jakauman, kuten hajontaa kuvaavat indikaattorit sekä kymmenystarkastelut (desiilit). Tämän tyyppisiä esitystapoja olisi hyödyllistä tuottaa myös maatalouden tilastojulkaisuissa, koska muuttujat ovat harvoin normaalisti jakautuneita.
Maatalouden jatkuvuus vaatii toimintaansa kehittäviltä maatalousyrityksiltä kykyä sopeutua muutoksiin, kuten digitalisaatioon, sääntelyyn ja taloudellisiin haasteisiin. Yksittäinen yrittäjä ei pysty kovinkaan paljon vaikuttamaan toimintaympäristön haasteisiin tai muutoksiin. Sen sijaan niihin on mahdollista valmistautua kehittämällä yritystä ja sen toimintaa. Keskeistä on tunnistaa yrityksen vahvuudet ja mahdollisuudet ja hyödyntää niitä. Maatalousyrityksille on entistä tärkeämpää analysoida toimintaympäristöään sekä määrittää itselleen strategia, ja sen toteuttamiseen tarvittavat keinot. Yrityksen on lisäksi tärkeää seurata systemaattisesti suoriutumistaan ja ylläpitää reagointikykyä. Menestyksekäs johtaminen edellyttää myös ennakointitaitoa.
Maatalouden riskienhallinta on olennainen osa yritystoimintaa. Taloudellisten riskien hallinta perustuu maatilojen kykyyn säilyttää maksuvalmius ja varautua taloudellisiin haasteisiin. Digitalisaatio ja automaatio tarjoavat uusia mahdollisuuksia, mutta edellyttävät lisää osaamista datan hyödyntämisessä. Maatalouden tulevaisuuden kehityksessä teknologian, kuten tekoälyn ja datan käytön, merkitys kasvaa.
Ruokajärjestelmän muutokset tulee huomioida myös yritystason strategisessa suunnittelussa. Kuluttajien aikomukset muuttaa ruokavalioitaan, kuten lisäämällä kasvipohjaisten tuotteiden kulutusta ja vähentämällä eläinperäisten tuotteiden kulutusta, voivat jossain määrin vaikuttaa kokonaistasolla eri tuotantosuuntien kysyntään sekä toisaalta avata mahdollisuuksia uusien tuotantomuotojen investoinneille. Samanaikaisesti rakennekehityksen myötä myös perinteisissä tuotantomuodoissa, kuten kotieläintuotannossa, tuottajille avautuu kuitenkin jatkuvasti mahdollisuuksia investointeihin. Keskeistä on tasapainoisesti eteenpäin katsova kehitys. Sektoritasolla tarvitaan myös riskinottoa, mikäli vientipotentiaali aiotaan lunastaa