Old-growth forests store a lot more carbon than managed forests, study finds
A new study reveals that Swedish old-growth forests hold 83% more carbon than their managed counterparts.
Summary
Research from Lund University has revealed that Swedish old-growth forests possess a carbon storage capacity that exceeds managed forests by 83%. This finding indicates a substantial deviation from prior estimates.
The study emphasizes that the primary source of this increased carbon storage is found in the soil, suggesting that soil management practices could be critical in carbon sequestration strategies.
These insights have implications for forest management and climate change mitigation efforts, as they underscore the importance of preserving old-growth ecosystems for their enhanced carbon storage potential.
Key Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary source | Phys.org |
| Source count | 2 |
| First published | 2026-03-19T18:00:03.000Z |
Updates
Update at 00:30 UTC on 2026-03-21
Phys.org reported A new study reveals that Sweden's remaining old-growth forests are crucial for carbon storage, outperforming managed woodlands significantly.
Sources: Phys.org