WSL

Plants transform light into sugar and are thus the foundation of all ecosystems as well as the food supply for humanity. In a global initiative, plant researchers together with representatives from civil society have now compiled the 100 most pressing questions for plant science.

The Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), a popular postcard subject in the southernmost Swiss canton, originates from Asia and is extremely resistant to cold. The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL has now investigated the potential impact of its massive spread in the forests of Ticino and proposes targeted control measures.

Forest soils store large amounts of organic carbon. When storms devastate the forest, this carbon is lost and a large part enters the atmosphere as CO2. Mountain forests are particularly vulnerable to such carbon losses, shows a study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL.

SLF researchers chase snow crystals around in circles in the wind tunnel. This is how they track down snow phenomena.

When professional scientists and interested amateurs work together, it is a rewarding experience for both groups. Such cooperation can deliver important new insights, as shown by the results of a campaign to research winter Saharan dust events.

The SLF Permafrost research group is monitoring ground temperatures in permafrost and using new methods to measure the increasing water content caused by climate change, allowing for improved assessments of natural hazards and future water availability in the Alps.