Uncertainties and knowledge gaps in the effects of nitrogen fertilisation on tree growth, carbon sequestration, and environmental risks in boreal forest landscapes

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilisation is a key strategy for enhancing tree growth and increasing carbon sequestration rates in boreal forests. In this review we evaluate the uncertainties of the effects of forest fertilisation for carbon sequestration and highlight important gaps in current knowledge about the efficiency and environmental consequences of nitrogen amendment. Uncertainties in the influence on carbon sequestration rates, along with variation in tree growth effects depending on soil type and climatic conditions, make scaling up of the benefits of increased fertilisation uncertain. Further, the potential benefits of increased forest fertilisation must be weighed against the risks of negative impacts on biodiversity, water quality, and tree physiology. Before expanding forest fertilisation, it is important to consider the balance of benefits, risks, and uncertainties.

Keywords

Nitrogen; Fertilisation; Boreal forest; Biodiversity; Carbon sequestration

Published in

Forest Ecology and Management
2026, volume: 602, article number: 123418
Publisher: ELSEVIER

SLU Authors

• Jämtgård, Sandra

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Öquist, Mats

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Strengbom, Joachim

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Henriksson, Nils

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Clemmensen, Karina

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Laudon, Hjalmar

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123418

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/145570