This comprehensive textbook explores the boreal forests of Northern Europe, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Students will gain an overview of the forest ecosystem and the services it provides for modern society. From the production of timber, to the supply of food products or their use as a recreational space for human wellbeing – our forests serve many needs. Accordingly, the respective chapters cover various types of ecosystem service, e.g. supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services. The book’s main focus is on the management of boreal forests for the production of these ecosystem services. Addressing modern challenges, e.g. managing vulnerable boreal forests for adaptation to climate change, is an important aspect throughout the volume. Traditional forest management has to adapt and evolve in order to meet the increasing risk of abiotic and biotic damages to our forest biomass. Future forestry graduates will have to face more and more of these challenges; consequently, the book provides them with a wealth of scientific knowhow and possible counter-strategies. Forestry students in the Northern Hemisphere, be it in Europe, North America or Asia, will find this book an excellent reference guide. To make the content more accessible, it has been enriched with a clear structure, numerous illustrations and learning objectives.

This book introduces the complex world of carbon dynamics within forest ecosystems, particularly in boreal zones, while also incorporating findings from selected temperate areas. It explores how these dynamics are influenced by management strategies and operations, providing a comprehensive understanding of how forests can be managed to enhance carbon uptake and thus, mitigate climate change. Divided into five parts, the volume begins by addressing the characteristics of global and boreal forests and their contribution to carbon storage. The following sections explore carbon dynamics in both natural and managed forests, including their impact on forest succession. The text also examines how management practices affect carbon dynamics, tree growth, and carbon stocks. Strategies to mitigate climate change through forest management, including the management of soil carbon and reforestation efforts are discussed. Finally, topics such as pre-commercial management, commercial thinning, and forest fertilization and their roles in managing boreal forest ecosystems for carbon sequestration and climate benefits are addressed. Aimed at professionals, researchers, and students in forestry, environmental science, and climate change studies, this book provides valuable insights into developing management strategies that enhance carbon uptake and accumulation in forest ecosystems. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how forest management can contribute to climate change mitigation. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in sustainable forestry practices.

In many places in the world, forests dominate landscapes and provide various products. Future climate change could profoundly alter the productivity of forest ecosystems and species composition. Until now, climate impact research has primarily focused on the likely impacts of rise in temperature, increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, and varying precipitation on unmanaged forests. The issue that now needs to be addressed is how to sustainably manage climate change for timber production and biomass. Though climate change is a global issue, impacts on forests depend on local environmental conditions and management methods, so this book will look at the issue under varying local contexts.

Abstrakti: Sima : typen ja hiilen kiertoon perustuva metsäekosysteemin sukkessiomalli ja sen sovellutus metsänhoitoon.