The Effects of Logging Residue Extraction for Energy on Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity: A Synthesis

By:
Thomas Ranius, Aino Hämäläinen, Gustaf Egnell, Bengt Olsson, Karin Eklöf, Johan Stendahl, Jörgen Sjögren, Anna Sténs, Adam Felton
Date:
2022
Resource type:
Peer review
Link:

This review synthesizes findings from 279 studies on the ecological impacts of logging residue extraction (slash and stump harvesting) across Northern Europe and North America. While slash harvesting supports short-term carbon reduction and energy needs, it poses risks to biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and biomass regeneration. Species dependent on deadwood and sunlit conditions are particularly affected.