MetaFor - Unexplored potential of diverse plant metabolites to enhance sustainable bioeconomy and carbon sinks from forest biomasses
Funders
Research Council of Finland, targeted Academy project
Leaders
The MetaFor project aims to promote a sustainable bioeconomy by utilizing forest biomass in innovative ways, following circular
economy principles. It focuses on insoluble metabolites in forest industry residues, which can stabilize organic carbon and immobilize
nitrogen, enhancing soil carbon sinks. We will study the chemistry of these insoluble fractions, particularly condensed tannins, and their
effects on plant growth, soil interactions, decomposition of organic material, and nitrogen cycling using advanced chemical analyses and
growth experiments. The project explores replacing peat with forest industry side streams to reduce carbon footprints and increase
carbon sequestration in soils, translating research into practical innovations that mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity.