TERRA Researcher Co-Authors Study Published in Nature on the Role of Tree Species in Carbon Sequestration

March 27, 2025

The TERRA Associate Laboratory highlights the publication of a groundbreaking study in the scientific journal Nature, co-authored by researcher António Correia from CEF-ISA. Conducted in collaboration with institutions from 13 countries and coordinated by INRAE and Bordeaux Sciences Agro, the study analyzed the growth of 223 tree species across 160 experimental forests worldwide, revealing critical insights for forest management and climate change mitigation.

The research challenges conventional thinking by demonstrating that conservative species—characterized by efficient resource use—grow faster than acquisitive species in real forest conditions, especially under environmental stress. This finding contradicts the widespread assumption that only fast-growing species are optimal for carbon sequestration, emphasizing the importance of species selection based on local soil and climate conditions.

New Data for Forest Management and Climate Change Mitigation

Forests play a vital role in regulating the global climate, preserving biodiversity, and purifying air and water, in addition to being one of the most significant natural carbon sinks. With the growing urgency to combat climate change, identifying the most effective tree species for CO₂ capture is of particular importance.

Until now, it was commonly believed that acquisitive species—such as poplars, maples, and certain oaks—which grow rapidly and maximize resource uptake, were the most efficient for carbon capture. However, this study reveals that in real-world forest conditions—especially in nutrient-poor soils and harsh climates—conservative species, such as holm oaks, firs, and Italian oaks, exhibit faster growth and greater carbon sequestration potential.

The researchers caution, however, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In favorable climates and fertile soils, acquisitive species still show high carbon sequestration potential. In contrast, in regions with less favorable growth conditions, conservative species prove more efficient.

A Contribution to Sustainable Forest Management

The findings of this study offer a valuable tool for forest managers, enabling a more strategic approach to species selection aimed at maximizing carbon sequestration and enhancing forest resilience in the face of climate change.

Access Nature’s article here.