For years, forest fertilizers have been criticized by both the reindeer industry and researchers.
The Forest Agency states in its recommendations themselves that reindeer avoid fertilized forest and that fertilizer should therefore not take place in areas that are important for reindeer husbandry.
And as late as 2023, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) presented a report in which they found that increased fertilization of the forest can have both negative effects on biodiversity and the climate. They produced the report on behalf of the then government.
The Minister: “Great weighted to increase growth”
Nevertheless, the government is now commissioning the Swedish Forest Agency to produce a corresponding report – but with the clear goal of expanding forest fertilizers.
“It is of great importance to be able to increase from forestry growth and thus increased long -term access to biomass in line with sustainable forestry,” says Rural Minister Peter Kullgren in a press release.
The Swedish Forest Agency will, on behalf of the government, increase knowledge about forest fertilizers, report on what impact it may have on growth, carbon stores, biodiversity and the ecosystem. They will also propose financial instruments and review general advice on forest manure.
The researcher: “It’s a little funny”
In particular, the Government stresses that they should propose the proportion of forest land that should be fertilized annually and report the pace for increased forest manure.
– It is a little funny that we have already reported a similar government assignment. I do not think they were satisfied with our conclusions, because we concluded that it is a very bad idea, says Hjalmar Laudon, professor of the forest landscape biogeochemistry at SLU in Umeå, to DN.
The Swedish Forest Agency will report a partial report on May 30 this year. The final report will be presented no later than April 30, 2026.