Project
Title
Pflanzenkohle-Technologie zur Revitalisierung von Bäumen in historischen Gärten und Parks
Acronym
CarbonTree
Start
17.06.2026
End
16.06.2029
Coordinating Institute
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)
Coordinator
Contact
Allocated to research program
Summary
Mature trees in historic parks constitute a central component of Germanys cultural heritage. The tree population within these parklands—much of which is of significant value—is currently under severe threat due to the low precipitation and high temperatures experienced in recent years. Consequently, many valuable trees are dying off. Against this backdrop, the planned CarbonTree project aims to conduct a model-based investigation into the potential of biochar-based substrates for revitalizing weakened mature trees and for successfully establishing new plantings in historic garden landscapes. CarbonTree adopts an interdisciplinary approach in which biochar is introduced both via substrate mixtures and through soil injection techniques. The work undertaken by the ATB focuses on comprehensively examining the effects of these interventions on tree vitality—incorporating ecophysiological parameters (e.g., leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence), mycorrhization, root development, and crown vitality assessed via remote sensing.
Funding
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)
Funding agency
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)