Services

Consultancy

The Forest & Nature Lab has broad expertise in biogeochemical and vegetation dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. Our fundamental and more applied research contributes to novel insights for ecosystem management and restoration. You can consult us for advice on a broad topic of management questions, e.g., ecosystem restoration on nutrient-enriched soils, forest conversion from coniferous towards mixed broadleaved forests, consequences of litter raking in coniferous forests, ...

Library

The library of the Forest & Nature Lab contains more than 4200 books and 110 journals. The available titles can be consulted via the Ghent University Library Catalogue (journals, books). All books and copies of articles from journals can be obtained via the Central Library of Ghent University.

The library is open from 8.30 am till 4.30 pm (Monday-Friday).

Silva Gandavensis, a journal published by the predecessors of the current lab between 1967 and 2001, has been digitized and can be accessed online.

Chemical Lab

Our analytical laboratory is specialized in analyzing element concentrations in plant material, soils, rainfall, throughfall, stemflow, soil and humus solution water samples. Potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, aluminum and magnesium are measured by use of an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, ammonium is analyzed by colorimetry and nitrate, chloride, phosphate and sulphate by ion chromatography. Total concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur are measured by element analysis.

The analytical laboratory carries a quality assurance system. The quality of the chemical analyses is checked by including method blanks, repeated measurements of internal and certified reference samples and by interlaboratory tests. The methods are validated with samples from interlaboratory profession tests and standard reference materials.

We can also perform analyses for you. For price offers without engagement you can contact us via An.DeSchrijver@UGent.be.