An exciting new research collaboration between Jagiellonian University and KU Leuven is set to unlock the secrets of carbon storage in mountain environments. The two-year project, launched in October 2024 with funding from the CELSA Research Fund, will focus on the Gorce Mountains in Southern Poland.
The study investigates how forest succession – the natural process of forest development – influences soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and their stability in mountain areas. This research is particularly timely as we seek practical solutions for climate change mitigation through natural processes.
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks And Their Stability Under The Influence Of Forest Succession In Mountain Areas. A Pilot Study In The Gorce Mountains (Southern Poland)
What makes this project innovative is its integrated approach. The research team will combine detailed soil analysis with ecological studies of forest succession dynamics, creating a comprehensive picture of carbon sequestration processes in mountain environments. This dual focus allows researchers to understand how much carbon is stored and the complex factors affecting its stability in different soil conditions.
The findings from this pilot study in the Gorce Mountains could have far-reaching implications for sustainable land management practices. As we face growing challenges from climate change, understanding how mountain forests store carbon naturally could provide valuable insights for environmental protection strategies.
This collaboration between Jagiellonian University (Łukasz Musielok, Magdalena Gus-Stolarczyk, and Patrycja Kramarczuk) and KU Leuven (Bart Muys, Karen Vancampenhout and Sascha Nijdam), supported by the CELSA Research Fund, represents a significant step forward in understanding natural carbon storage mechanisms and their potential role in climate change mitigation.
Human-Environmental Systems Research Centre 