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

Full hydro lakes drove down 2023 emissions
Environment

Full hydro lakes drove down 2023 emissions

But NZ's glaciers are still melting fast.

Greg Hurrell 16 Apr 2025
Phase out forestry credits for fossil fuel emissions: Simon Upton
Environment

Phase out forestry credits for fossil fuel emissions: Simon Upton

The ETS is acting as a disincentive for gross emissions reductions.

Greg Hurrell 09 Apr 2025
Consumer trends a positive sign in ‘sobering’ nature survey
Environment

Consumer trends a positive sign in ‘sobering’ nature survey

Waste and air pollution seem to have peaked according to a new environmental review.

Greg Hurrell 08 Apr 2025
RMA replacements to end 'culture of no'
Policy

RMA replacements to end 'culture of no'

The Government looks to Japan as it unveils two replacement planning laws.

Oliver Lewis 24 Mar 2025