Asa research station

Research Station

Asa Research Station was established in 1988, together with the Asa Experimental Forest. Around five staff members are based at the station year-round, with approximately twice as many working there during the growing season.

The station is located in close proximity to Asa Värdshus, which offers a restaurant, hotel, and conference facilities - making it an ideal location for visiting researchers and collaborators. The station itself also includes a small conference room, laboratory spaces, cold and freezer storage rooms, equipment storage, a garage, and a greenhouse.

Areas of Responsibility

The research station is responsible for the Asa Experimental Forest and the Asa High-yield Experimental Forest. It also has regional responsibility for field trials and fieldwork activities in eastern Götaland. Additionally, the station oversees the unit’s national coordination of large-scale projects and infrastructure initiatives.

Address

SLU, Unit for Field-Based Forest Research
Asa Research Station
SE-363 94 Lammhult, Sweden

Experimental Forest

The Asa Experimental Forest was established in 1988 as part of an initiative for field research in southern Sweden, in collaboration between SLU and the forestry industry. Located approximately 37 kilometers north of Växjö, the park now covers 1,013 hectares, of which 92% is forested land, 6% is mire, and 2% consists of other land and water areas. Sveaskog is the landowner.

Forest Stands and Research

The forest is primarily dominated by Norway spruce, often mixed with Scots pine, and to a lesser extent, deciduous trees. Since the establishment of the experimental forest, research has focused on forest management, climate impacts, and forest damage. A particular focus has been on spruce bark beetles and wood borers, as well as strategies to protect the forest from these pests.

To monitor the forest's development, regular laser scanning has been conducted, with surveys carried out in 2009 and 2019, combined with measurements from permanent circular sample plots. This enables detailed analysis of timber stock and its changes over time.

Climate and Environmental Conditions

Asa is located at the foot of the South Swedish Highlands and has a local continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Since 1988, an automatic climate station has recorded weather data at the research station. Since 1990, climate measurements have followed a common standard for SLU's experimental forests. Microclimate measurements are a vital part of many research projects in the area.

Infrastructure and Usage

The experimental forest is well-equipped with infrastructure and is used for both research and education. Scientific field trials are complemented by educational demonstration plots, and the field station is used for excursions, sample collections, and measurements.