| title: | Impact of rhizosphere processes on the formation of forest ecosystems in stands with different tree species compositions in open-cast oil-shale mining areas |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF6011 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.14. Ecology 4.3. Sylviculture, Forestry |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | TU Faculty of Biology and Geography |
| head of project: | Krista Lõhmus |
| duration: | 01.01.2004 - 31.12.2007 |
| description: | In Estonia forest rehabilitation of large open-cast oil-shale mining areas is carried out every year since 1960. During the last 40 years more than 9000 ha have been afforested. It is economically reasonable to continue open-cast mining of oil shale (main energy source to produce electricity in Estonia) in ca 20000 ha. In new open-cast mining areas the oil shale layers are located deeper, hence, the quality of mining detritus is decreasing. Another problem is related to disproportional high share of coniferous stands in previous oil-shale mining areas. Deciduous stands increase soil fertility; they are more resistant against fires, pests and diseases.The rhizosphere processes have a key role in the formation of forest ecosystems, especially on harsh soil conditions including calcareous stony detritus. Information on rhizosphere processes in oil-shale mining detritus concerning the main indigenous tree species (Scots pine, Norway spruce, silver birch, alder species) is extremely scarce. The main aim of the project is to obtain new information on the impact of rhizosphere processes on the formation of forest ecosystems in open-cast oil-shale mining areas. Microbiological, chemical and physical characteristics of soil-root contiinuum will be estimated in natural conditions incl new experimental plantations to be created. Pot experiments will be used to prove the hypotheses on the tree species-related.effect of roots on mining detritus. In selected stands total above-ground production will be estimated and decomposition dynamics of leaf and root litter analysed for background information.The results increase our understanding of mechanisms how the development of forest ecosystems in calcareous mining detritus is affected by rhizosphere processes and allow giving recommendations for silviculturalists in changing ecological and economical conditions. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Elmar Kaar | pensionär | ||
| 2. | Arno Kanal | TÜ GI | dotsent | |
| 3. | Vahur Kurvits | EPMÜ MKI | lektor, doktorant | |
| 4. | Krista Lõhmus | TU Faculty of Biology and Geography | senior scientist | |
| 5. | Ivika Ostonen | TÜ GI | erakorraline teadur | |
| 6. | Jaak Truu | TÜ MRI | teadur | |
| 7. | Marika Truu | EPMÜ KKI | Teadur | |
| 8. | Veiko Uri | EPMÜ MKI | dotsent | |
| 9. | Aivo Vares | EPMÜ MKI | teadur, doktorant | |