The possibilities of birch trees in a future climate-adapted use of forests – summary of the current situation and proposals for measures for the future
Image: Anthony Ievlev/Unsplash
Birch Trees are by far Sweden’s most common deciduous tree with over 12% of the total timber supply. Nevertheless, research efforts on the tree species have been small for a long time. In youth, birches are even more common. In the diameter class 0–9 cm, they are our second most common tree species with 34% of the trunk volume, while at the age of over 35 years, after clearing and thinning, they make up just under 5%. In clearing and thinning, a lot of birch thus disappears as there is a lack of knowledge about how the birch can and should be managed in order to generate high timber values, increased biodiversity and positive effects on the environment at an older age. With better and collected knowledge, the situation can change so that adult birches become a more common feature in the landscape. The project intends to increase awareness and understanding of management and opportunities in birch-dominated forests in a future management under a changing climate.
There are two tree-shaped birch tree species in Sweden, silver birch and glass birch. Glass birch dominates and accounts for about three-quarters of the country’s birch timber supply. In southern Sweden, the proportion of silver birch is 30–50%, while in northern Sweden it drops to 10–20%. Both birch species are pioneers adapted to survive in a landscape affected by forest fires. They are often the first to arrive on regeneration areas and on abandoned farmland. Birches grow quickly in their youth and require a lot of space.
Competition between tree individuals occurs quickly and leads to them losing green crown and thus growth capacity. To keep birches in a vital state with age, care adapted in time is therefore required. An often proposed model is to manage birch in two-layered stands, where birch in the initial phase overcuts spruce.
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The average growth of birch (silver birch) is currently at its highest at just over 10 m3Sk ha-1 year-1 for orbital periods of 30-40 years under Northern European conditions. However, there is great potential to improve both growth and wood quality through processing. The interaction between trees and soil affects the growth of trees and the nutrient status of the soil and the allocation of carbon. From an environmental perspective, an analysis of how birches function in relation to other tree species is needed. The importance of birch for flora and fauna is scarcely known, and it needs to be investigated how biodiversity is affected in a landscape where the proportion of birch forest changes. Ungulates like to graze on birch and it is important to discuss how the game affects/is affected by a future investment in birch.
A better utilisation of the birch resource is critical for developing the domestic and international market for the tree species and increasing the processing of the raw material. Better use of birch, which has different properties than our conifers, is also positive for the development of the countryside as more and new production can be located there. Improved management and increased profitability would mean that we get a real alternative to the dominant tree species spruce and pine. Landowners and industry are exposed to a spread of risk and are better equipped to face a changing climate.
We assess that one of our most common tree species is not used in an optimal way, regardless of which of the forest’s values is referred to. We lack a stable knowledge base about birch and it can be done to a significant extent through the knowledge compilation in the project. In addition, the work will show where the major knowledge gaps are and what is thus required to make the knowledge about birch more complete.
The aim of the project is to systematically compile and disseminate knowledge that exists about birch from different aspects and show the possibilities that allow the element and use of birch to increase. It is difficult to predict how forest resources will be used in the future, and preparedness is required with alternatives that facilitate adaptation to changes in climate and markets, among other things. Having several alternative tree species in forest cultivation is a constructive way to increase room for manoeuvre, spread risks and reduce the vulnerability of forest owners and society.
To achieve the goals, the project is carried out in the following steps:
- Compilation of existing knowledge about birch in a report.
- Based on the compilation, concrete recommendations are given for the management of birch with different goals.
- Information and recommendations are disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders, including forest owners, industry representatives, but also authorities and the general public. The long-term goal is for forestry and the forest industry to better utilize the birch’s potential both for timber production and as a contribution to the delivery of other ecosystem services from the forest.
The project is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Rural Development Programme (Journal number 2019-2152).
Birch Trees and Biodiversity
Here are three ways birch trees contribute to the overall health and diversity of ecosystems:
- Habitat Creation: Birch trees create a diverse and dynamic habitat for many organisms. The unique structure of their branches and bark provides nesting sites and shelter for numerous bird species, such as warblers and woodpeckers. Additionally, the fallen leaves and branches of birch trees create a rich environment for insects, which in turn serve as a food source for small mammals and birds.
- Climate Change Regulation: Birch trees play a vital role in mitigating climate change. As deciduous trees, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the growing season and release oxygen. This process helps to reduce greenhouse gases and stabilize the climate. Moreover, birch forests have been found to enhance water retention and reduce the risk of flooding, which are crucial factors in adapting to climate change.
- Soil Health Enhancement: Birch trees have a positive impact on soil health. Their root systems help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground and improving soil structure. The fallen leaves and twigs of birch trees decompose, adding essential nutrients to the soil. This enriches the soil, promoting the growth of other plants and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.
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