Forest Condition in a Changing Environment

1. Forest Condition

   1. Changes in Lichen Abundance and Index of Atmospheric Purity During 1985–1995

      • Jarmo Poikolainen, Mikko Kuusinen, Kari Mikkola

      Pages 173-178

2. Functioning of Forest Ecosystems

   1. Structure and Functioning of Forest Ecosystems

      • Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari

      Pages 179-182

   2. Effects of Acidic Deposition on Soil Solution Quality and Nutrient Leaching in Forest Soils

      • Antti-Jussi Lindroos, John Derome, Michael Starr, Liisa Ukonmaanaho

      Pages 183-199

   3. Effects of Acidic Deposition on Forest Soil Microbiology

      • Taina Pennanen, Pekka Vanhala, Oili Kiikkilä, Hannu Fritze

      Pages 200-202

   4. Fine Roots and Soil Properties

      • Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari, Tarja Lehto, Kirsi Makkonen

      Pages 203-217

   5. Dependence of Tree Annual Diameter Growth on Weather Factors

      • Kari Mielikäinen

      Pages 218-222

   6. Functioning of Forest Ecosystem as an Indicator of Environmental Change

      • Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari

      Pages 223-228

   7. Functioning of Forest Ecosystems under Nitrogen Loading

      • Aino Smolander, Mikko Kukkola, Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari, Raisa Mäkipää, Eino Mälkönen

      Pages 229-247

   8. Areas polluted by heavy metals

      • Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari

      Pages 248-251

   9. Effects of heavy metal deposition on soil fertility

      • John Derome, Tiina Nieminen, Antti-Jussi Lindroos

      Pages 252-259

   10. Effects of heavy metals on soil microflora

       • Hannu Fritze, Taina Pennanen, Jari Haimi, Anne Siira-Pietikäinen, Pekka Vanhala

       Pages 260-265

   11. Response of understorey vegetation to heavy metal loading

       • Maija Salemaa, Ilkka Vanha-Majamaa, Antti Reinikainen, Hannu Nousiainen

       Pages 266-275

   12. Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.), a copper-tolerant dwarf shrub

       • Christian Uhlig, Satu Monni

       Pages 276-277

   13. Response of tree stands to heavy metal loading

       • Tiina Nieminen, John Derome, Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari, Sari Janhunen, Mikko Kukkola, Anna Saarsalmi

       Pages 278-283

   14. Variation in radial growth of Scots pines exposed to heavy metal and sulphur emissions from the Cu-Ni smelter at Monchegorsk, NW Russia

       • Pekka Nöjd

       Pages 284-287

3. Forest and Soil Management

   1. Role of Tree Species in Determining Soil Fertility

      • Outi Priha, Aino Smolander

      Pages 289-295

   2. Prescribed Burning as a Soil Amelioration Measure

      • Eino Mälkönen, Teuvo Levula, Hannu Fritze

      Pages 296-300

   3. Improving Forest Condition by Means of Slow-Release Fertilisers

      • Eino Mälkönen, John Derome, Mikko Kukkola, Anna Saarsalmi

      Pages 301-323

   4. Effects of fertilisation on soil microbes

      • Tuula Aarnio

      Pages 324-327

   5. Liming of Forest Soils

      • John Derome, Mikko Kukkola, Aino Smolander, Tarja Lehto

      Pages 328-337

The threats posed by air pollution and climate change have resulted in considerable public debate about forest condition and growth during the past two decades. Despite the massive input ofresearch resources, no clear answers have been found to these global questions. Although there have been substantial advances in our knowledge of the effects of air pollutants on the forests, many of the questions associated with forest condition are still open. Monitoring of forest condition at the national level started in Finland in 1985 in accordance with the methodology drawn up by the International Co-operative Programme on Assessments and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests, UN/ECE). Since then, research into forest condition and vitality has been one of the key areas in the research carried out by the Finnish Forest Research Institute. Three basic questions formed the starting point for the multidisciplinary, Forest Condition Research Programme: What changes are taking place in our forests? Why does forest condition vary, and why do trees appear to be suffering? How can forest condition be maintained through appropriate forest management? This report covers forest condition and changes in environmental factors on the of the latest findings, publications and expertise of researchers participated in basis the Forest Condition Research Programme. In addition to researchers from the Finnish Forest Research Institute, a large number of scientists from domestic and foreign universities and research institutes also made a considerable contribution to the research programme.

• ecology
• ecosystem
• environment
• forest
• forest ecology
• pollution
• air pollution and air quality
• Forestry Management

• Vantaa Research Centre, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa, Finland

  Eino Mälkönen

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