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<p>We respond to Riege et al. (New For 56:68, 2025), who present valuable new data on early biomass accumulation by lodgepole pine (<i>Pinus contorta</i>) in Iceland. We argue that this finding cannot be evaluated without considering the well-documented ecological impacts of the species in this environment. In Iceland, <i>P. contorta</i> is already spreading rapidly beyond plantations, reducing vascular plant diversity and altering native sub-Arctic habitats. Iceland’s open lowlands are globally important biodiversity systems, particularly for ground-nesting waders, and are not “unused space” for carbon farming. Further, experience from other regions shows that long-term control of non-native conifers is difficult and costly. We therefore highlight that benefits (biomass gain) and risks (ecological impacts) must be assessed jointly. A balanced evaluation of <i>P. contorta</i> in Iceland requires integrating both dimensions. </p>

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Lodgepole pine in Iceland: biomass gains cannot be interpreted without ecological costs. Response to Riege et al.

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月2日

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  • Pawel Wasowicz,
  • Guðrún Óskarsdóttir,
  • Þóra Ellen Þórhallsdóttir,
  • Tómas Grétar Gunnarsson,
  • Ólafur Karl Nielsen,
  • Kristín Svavarsdóttir,
  • Menja von Schmalensee,
  • Róbert A. Stefánsson,
  • Isabel C. Barrio,
  • Starri Heiðmarsson,
  • Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir

摘要

We respond to Riege et al. (New For 56:68, 2025), who present valuable new data on early biomass accumulation by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) in Iceland. We argue that this finding cannot be evaluated without considering the well-documented ecological impacts of the species in this environment. In Iceland, P. contorta is already spreading rapidly beyond plantations, reducing vascular plant diversity and altering native sub-Arctic habitats. Iceland’s open lowlands are globally important biodiversity systems, particularly for ground-nesting waders, and are not “unused space” for carbon farming. Further, experience from other regions shows that long-term control of non-native conifers is difficult and costly. We therefore highlight that benefits (biomass gain) and risks (ecological impacts) must be assessed jointly. A balanced evaluation of P. contorta in Iceland requires integrating both dimensions.