The largest field experiment to date in Wales evaluating methods to improve the growth of young forests has been completed. Scientists from Imperial College London tested two approaches: applying crushed basalt to the soil and introducing a microbiome from mature forests.
The results:
- Basalt increased carbon accumulation in aboveground biomass by 27%, by altering soil pH and releasing nutrients.
- Adding the forest microbiome increased carbon accumulation by around 13%, although the effect varied by tree species and site.
- Combining the two methods produced no significant synergistic effect.
The authors note that simple nature-based interventions could improve the survival of young forests and enhance their potential for carbon storage.
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