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SLU news
Forestry and fungi – a neglected relationship
Published: 31 May 2018
The consequences of forestry on fungal communities are seldom up to discussion in the debate, but new results indicate that logging have long-term impacts on important fungal groups. Disturbing the fungal balance may even lead to nutrient deficiency and reduced tree growth. SNS Nordic Forest Research reports about a conference in Uppsala arranged by Karina Clemmensen from the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology at SLU.
Karina wants to raise the awareness of the important roles of fungi in the forest ecosystem. She finds, however, that the fungal community is usually neglected in the discussions about sustainable management.
– Two invited guests gave their perspectives on forest ecology and forestry research, and it was clear that fungi are overlooked in more general forestry research and management plans. We discussed means to raise the awareness of fungi. One idea was to conduct more cross-field research to ensure convergence between scientific research questions and forestry practices. We also need to tell our stories to the public and the forest sector. Research results must be made more easily available, in a context that engages the audience, Karina says.