Despite the December darkness, snow conditions, and at times bitterly cold weather (as much as - 28°C a few days ago), outdoor activities in the forest of Svartberget Research Station are ongoing.
High use of external inputs, especially agrochemicals, has considerably increased food production since the Green Revolution. This has, however, also led to a decline in biodiversity and contributed to a change in climate, soil, air and water quality. Hence, there is a need to develop cropping systems that are multi-functional, i.e. not only increase food production, but also improves the environment and economy.
Ornithology has a long tradition in biological research, and there are numerous data sets on various subtopics available both via scientific publications and conservation organizations. The phenology of migrating species (e.g. arrival dates to breeding grounds) has drawn attention in the last few decades, as it describes and helps understand effects of increasing temperatures on bird migration.
SITES Röbäcksdalen Field Research Station has recently welcomed researcher Julianne Oliveira! Welcome to the SITES Community, Julianne!
Asa High-yield Experimental Forest was established in 2009 and covers an area of 1700 hectares, situated in close proximity to Asa Research Station. Spruce and pine dominates the forest and represent 95% of the total area. The aim of the high-yield experiment is to increase the growth of wood by 50 %, and at the same time avoid creating any negative effects on water chemistry, vegetation, recreational values, etc. Every second year stands within the experimental area are fertilized.
Lund University has recently installed two new spectral masts overlooking crop fields in Alnarp, near the SITES Lönnstorp Research Station. Each mast holds two down-looking spectral sensors, one on each side of the mast, overlooking one field each. There are also temperature and soil moisture sensors to follow the weather and climate at the locations continuously through time. The installations are part of a research project sponsored by the Swedish National Space Agency that aims to develop and quantify crop growth and yield based on satellite remote sensing.
A new article focusing on one of the main research fields of Bolmen’s Research Station recently got published in Water Practice & Technology. The article focuses on short-term changes of organic matter in Lake Bolmen, which has direct influences on the color of the water as well as the source water quality for drinking water production in south-western Skåne. Analysis of Kafjorden, a southern sub-basin of Lake Bolmen, was analyzed in detail and it was concluded that it can produce changes of organic matter in a time span of days to weeks.
A workshop at SITES Svartberget Research Station, within Vindeln Experimental Forests, took place on Sept 6-7, 2022, with a focus on existing and future research infrastructures (RIs) in the area. The main objective of the workshop was to 1) exchange information about the RIs, 2) discuss ways to optimize and maximize the potential synergies between the RIs, and 3) discuss possible research activities and research papers made possible by the RIs establishments. In total, 23 persons participated in the workshop, representing specific RIs in the Vindeln area.
There will be a scheduled maintenance on 24.10.22 from 6:00 to 10:00 AM UTC, during which time the SITES Data Portal with all its attached services may not be available. Please plan SITES Data Portal use accordingly.
In Abisko, autumn arrived in vibrant September-colours. But autumn does not equal calm at the research station. Throughout September, the station continued to be at full capacity.