Young spruce trees grow better with pine neighbours thanks to underground helpers.
For generations, foresters have observed a curious phenomenon: certain trees grow better when planted alongside different species. Now, research from Zhou and colleagues has revealed the hidden mechanics behind this “nursing effect”. They studied how different combinations of trees affected the growth of Sitka spruce, Britain’s most important timber tree. They found that pines help foster beneficial soil fungi that can aid the young spruce trees.
Fungal Friends Help Young Trees Thrive in Mixed Forests by Alun Salt
Zhou, Y., Tao, T., Cox, F., & Johnson, D. (2024). Plant–soil feedback drives the ‘nursing effect’ on Sitka spruce. Journal of Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14848 (FREE)