FUTUREforest recommends:
1 Areas at high risk of erosion, carbon loss, landslides and compaction should be identified and integrated with landscape planning procedures
2 Tree species should be selected to match the site characteristics and protect the soils
3 Increased awareness of soil management and protection must be initiated amongst all forest owners and managers through communication and incentives Soil protection and enhancement are essential to all aspects of forest management
4 Research must be intensified to understand better the consequences of different silvicultural practices and the dynamics and storage of soil carbon.
FUTUREforest Final Report
Saving Forest Soils
In a changing climate, forest soils are threatened by deforestation, changing temperature and moisture, loss of fertility and by increased pressure from land use.
Soil is the only non-renewable resource and so the protection, restoration and improvement of soils are essential to sustainable forest management.
More research is needed to understand the effects of different silvicultural practices on soil fertility and carbon dynamics. Forest management should aim at improving soil fertility and maximising soil carbon stocks.
Areas at high risk of erosion, carbon loss, landslides and compaction must be identified during landscape planning procedures and made part of specific management plans.
Forest managers and owners need to understand the importance of soil management and protection. Incentives should be developed for promoting soil-conservation in forest management through site-adapted species selection, low impact machinery use and erosion prevention.
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