Summary
This global synthesis analysed over 25,000 matched observations to evaluate ecosystem service and biodiversity trade-offs between tree plantation and native forest restoration approaches. Native forests substantially outperform plantations—particularly simple, younger plantations in drier regions—in carbon storage, water provisioning, soil erosion control, and biodiversity, whilst plantations show advantage only in wood production. The findings highlight fundamental trade-offs between environmental and production goals that require careful policy navigation in forest restoration commitments.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK forest policy, particularly given expanded woodland creation targets and debates between native woodland restoration and commercial plantation expansion. However, the study's emphasis on tropical and drier regions' poor plantation performance may have limited applicability to UK temperate conditions, where plantation performance characteristics may differ.
Key measures
Aboveground carbon storage, water provisioning, soil erosion control, biodiversity metrics, wood production; comparative effectiveness across plantation types and native forest restoration
Outcomes reported
The study compared delivery of climate, soil, water, wood production services and biodiversity across tree plantations and native forests using 25,950 matched data pairs from 264 studies across 53 countries. Key findings assessed relative performance of different restoration approaches on aboveground carbon storage, water provisioning, soil erosion control, biodiversity, and timber production.
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