Scion researchers will test if pine forest soils are helping reducing NZ’s methane levels

Scion researchers will test if pine forest soils are helping reducing NZ’s methane levels
Scion scientist Kathryn Walker is leading a project to measure the consumption of methane by soil microbes. (Image: Scion)
Greg Hurrell
A new research project is hoping to find out whether New Zealand’s plantation forests can measurably reduce net methane emissions from the microbes in their soils. The research by Scion will find out how much methane is consumed by a class of bacteria known as methanotrophs. The crown research institute, which specialises in forestry and wood-derived research, hopes its work will contribute to a better understanding of NZ’s total emissions budget. Scion scientist and project lead, Kathryn Walker, told BusinessDesk there ha...

More Environment

Four roles on the line in new Antarctica NZ proposal
Infrastructure

Four roles on the line in new Antarctica NZ proposal

The restructure aims to better integrate the Scott Base redevelopment project.

Oliver Lewis 23 Jun 2025
Methane open letter's mistakes
Primary Sector

Adrian Macey and Dave Frame: Methane open letter's mistakes

No 'accounting trick' in the best measure for methane's climate impact.

School lunches: Recycling claims rubbished
Editor's Picks

School lunches: Recycling claims rubbished

Millions of 'recyclable' school lunch trays could be going to landfill.

Cécile Meier 05 Jun 2025
UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years
Environment

UN warns warming could top 1.5C in next 4 years

"We have just experienced the 10 warmest years on record."

AFP 31 May 2025