Colorado State University researchers in the San Luis Valley – one of the top regions for potato production in the U.S. – have identified multiple fungal species causing dry rot in Colorado – including one that hadn’t previously been found in the U.S.

A recent study 413 forest sites across Sichuan Province, China, shows that temperature is the main factor controlling forest floor bryophyte biomass. Colder forests, especially at higher elevations, support more moss, while warmer temperatures, nitrogen deposition, and dense vegetation reduce it. Soil nutrients and sunlight also influence growth but to a lesser extent. The findings highlight that bryophytes, though small, play key roles in water retention, carbon and nutrient cycling, and biodiversity, and are highly sensitive to climate change. Researchers emphasize the need for detailed field studies to improve predictions and incorporate bryophytes into forest ecosystem models.

A global analysis of 239 tree species reveals that biomass allocation among leaves, stems, and roots follows a universal scaling pattern as trees grow larger, consistently shifting investment from leaves to stems. However, this fixed rule is finely modulated by local environment and evolutionary history. Angiosperms primarily adjust their allocation based on soil conditions, while gymnosperms respond most strongly to temperature. The findings published in Forest Ecosystems integrate two competing ecological theories, allometric partitioning theory (APT) and optimal partitioning theory (OPT), showing that trees operate with a built-in rule that is dynamically optimized for their habitat.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have explored how Swedish non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners are pioneering clearcut-free forestry as a sustainable alternative to conventional timber-focused practices. The research highlights the growing trend among private forest owners to prioritize biodiversity, ecological resilience, and cultural values alongside timber production.

A new study in Forest Ecosystems shows that the 2021 White Rock Lake Wildfire in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada increased summer low flows in snow-dominated watersheds by reducing evapotranspiration and altering how snowmelt and groundwater contribute to streamflow. Using hydrometric monitoring and geochemical tracing, researchers found that reduced forest cover lowered evapotranspiration, allowing more snowmelt to recharge groundwater and sustain streams through the dry season. The increase in water supply is likely temporary, however, as forest regrowth will gradually increase water consumption, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring to guide post-fire water management under climate change.

A new study models how climate change could affect the future distribution of tree species across North America. The researcher analyzed 442 species found in Mexico and neighboring regions and found that suitable climate for many trees is likely to shift northward by several hundred kilometers by the end of the century. While most Mexican tree species are expected to retain some suitable climate within Mexico, many may also find suitable conditions in the United States and Canada. Species with wide ranges and those growing at lower elevations are more likely to expand, while species with small ranges, high-elevation habitats, or restricted to Mexico may lose suitable areas. The study suggests that forest ecosystems may lag behind climate change, as many species already have suitable climate in new regions but have not yet moved there.