Metla Project 3267

The management of the permanent field experiments on drained peatlands

[  Suomeksi  |  Objectives  |  Results  |  Project leader  |  Researchers  |  Metla Research  ]

Duration: 1999-2003   Keywords: analysis, drainage, evaluation, field experiment, method of taking care, monitoring, peatlands
Research Program: Ecologically and economically sustainable forestry on drained peatlands

Objectives

The number of registered experiments established mainly by the dept. of peatland forestry was 1450 (1999). All experiments are not yet in the register of Metla (The Finnish Forest Research Institute). Number of sample plots in a single experiment is commonly 15-30. The analysis and measuring data is vast. Some of the experiments date back to the beginning of the 20th century. They do not belong to any currently working project. So a special project is needed. All experimental series must be evaluated for ditch condition, plot poles, need for measurements, tending, thinning, cutting and regenerating etc, need for nutrient or other treatments and a further use in research work. A need for tending and measuring programs is evident especially for old experiments. Old and new data needs more comprehensive attention and filing in archives. Data bases for volume measurements, peat and needle analyses and peatland vegetation inventories are compiled from different sources in Vantaa Research Centre and five research stations (Parkano, Joensuu, Kannus, Muhos and Rovaniemi). Old archives of peatland forestry are also reorganized under the project. The main clients of our project are research projects and programs dealing with petland forestry in Metla but also forest owners (Metla, other state forests, companies etc).

Results

A database of all the permanent peatland forest field experiments in Finland was designed. The data include results of field measurements and calculations, vegetation data as well as information of silvicultural measures on a sample plot level. The first drainages were done in 1867 and the first stand measurements in 1923. Data from the experimental area of Raivola on the Carelian Isthmus (presently Russian territory) collected in 1930-1939 and in 1999-2000 is also incorporated in the database. New data is still added to the database as new projects proceed. Detailed plans that especially focus on for the future maintenance and utilization of the peatland forest experimental fields have also been made.

At present the database contains information of about 600 sample plots of which about 160 that have been measured after 1990 are in active use. In addition of an original total of 88 sample plots in Raivola measured in the 1930s, 46 sample plots were remeasured in 1999- 2000. At least once but up to four times the species abundances of the ground vegetation (using the Norrlin scale) has been measured on 280 sample plots in Finland and Raivola.

Project leader: Heinonen, Riitta
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, 01301 Vantaa
Phone: +358 10 211 2443 Telefax: +358 10 211 2202
E-mail: riitta.heinonen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Hartman, Markus, VA (2000-03), Hytönen, Jyrki, KA (1999-2003), Kaunisto, Seppo (2002), Moilanen, Mikko, MU (1999-2002), Silfverberg, Klaus, VA (1999-2003), Veijalainen, Heikki (1999-2001)


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Updated 30.12.2006
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