MORFO is a solution for large-scale ecological restoration of forest ecosystems, combining forest engineering, drones, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
MORFO's research and development in the field of large-scale forest ecosystem science is an essential pillar of our mission: we can only restore qualitatively when we have greater knowledge of ecosystems.
In this article, we open the doors to our laboratories and our collaborations with renowned institutions in France and Brazil. You'll learn how, thanks to our 4 main areas of research, we're developing innovative solutions for reforestation.
MORFO carries out research and collaborates with renowned institutions such as IRD in France, and UFPR and UFSCar in Brazil. To date, our experiments are carried out in 4 laboratories. Two at MORFO, one in Rio de Janeiro and one in Montpellier, as well as two at partner universities, the Universidade Federal de Viçosa and the Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Our Scientific Advisory Board, made up of experts from these institutions, also guides our efforts to ensure significant advances in the field of reforestation.
MORFO focuses on 4 areas of development and research:
- The science and technology of seed capsules
- Species and seed selection
- Soil quality
- Understanding ecosystems
Focus 1: Seed capsule science and technology
Protection, growth and enrichment: the major advantage of seed capsules in ecological restoration
MORFO seed capsule technology offers 3 major advantages for the growth of seedlings destined for forest ecosystem restoration.
Firstly, the capsules protect the seeds they contain from external factors such as weather, insects, animals and physical impact. MORFO uses drones to drop these capsules, optimizing the planting process over large areas. The physical structure of the capsules ensures that they are resistant to ground impact.
Secondly, the MORFO capsule nourishes the plant inside, providing an ideal growing medium with optimum moisture and biological richness for the plants. Thanks to germination starting directly in the capsule, the chances of plant development are considerably increased.
Finally, thanks to their composition, seed capsules help enrich the soil we restore.
MORFO optimizes its seed capsule planting methods for more effective ecological restoration
We are constantly seeking to improve the germination and survival rates of the species we plant in our projects. MORFO focuses its research on developing optimal formulations for its seed capsules, adapted to each type of terrain. The latest iteration of our technology, the second version of our seedpod, is now protected by patent, and we have already developed the third version of our capsules. Thanks to this unique technology, we achieve germination rates in the laboratory of 80%.
Seed capsules are a versatile and effective method of restoring forest ecosystems. In doing so, each planting is carefully adapted to maximize plant germination and growth rates, while promoting soil enrichment and local biodiversity. Indeed, MORFO adapts its planting method to suit the terrain and preferences, whether planting by drone or by hand.
Find out why seed germination rates in ecological restoration efforts are crucial by clicking here.
Focus 2: Species and seed selection
Selecting the right tree species is fundamental to the ecosystem diversity and carbon sequestration of restored forests.
Each species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. Some provide shade, creating microclimates favorable to the growth of other plants sensitive to direct light, while others enrich the soil by supplying natural nutrients.
The meticulous selection of species and seeds in our restoration projects is a priority at MORFO, where we are committed to recreating complete, native forest ecosystems. Each species makes a specific contribution to the ecological balance of the forest, creating an environment conducive to diversity and resilience. Studies show that planting just 6 different species increases the forest's carbon sequestration by over 70%.
A local species is one that occurs naturally in a certain ecosystem, but not necessarily throughout a country. A study by Chiang Mai University ecologists Stephen Elliott and Pimonrat Tiansawat concluded that the first species planted in forest restoration projects should be native to the region in question (Science Magazine, 2022). By integrating up to 30 local species per project, we promote biodiversity that strengthens the ecosystem's resilience to external disturbances. By carefully selecting the species to be planted, MORFO restores local biodiversity while actively participating in the fight against climate change.
MORFO's innovations in the search for species to plant in ecological restoration projects
Seed capsules represent a promising solution to a range of environmental challenges, including soil pollution, weather fluctuations, biodiversity loss and the spread of invasive species. In parallel with our efforts efforts to improve seed germination rates through laboratory viability tests, we will be improving our catalog of local plant species day by day.
At present, our catalog includes over 300 local species that have been studied or are the subject of research. We select these species according to the various environments, climatic conditions, ecological succession groups and roles of each species, and study their associations to judiciously select species and seeds adapted to the characteristics of each terrain.
MORFO adopts an "intelligent planting" strategy tailored to each area, carefully selecting the specific types of plant species to be planted, taking into account the characteristics and needs of the site. We precisely determine the optimum number of species, ranging from 10 to 30 per project, as well as the density of vegetation to be planted to guarantee optimal development of biodiversity, taking into account site conditions and planting objectives.
We conduct experiments on species interactions, focusing in particular on 40 local species from the Amazon rainforest and the Mata Atlantica forest (pioneer, primary and secondary species). This approach enables us to better understand how these species interact with each other and with their environment, in order to optimize the biodiversity and resilience of our forest restoration projects.
MORFO also works in close collaboration with local partnersincluding universities and research laboratories, as well as local communities, to collect seeds and implement our projects in line with sustainable standards and practices.
3: Soil quality
Soil quality is the first essential pillar of ecological restoration
"It is essential to take soils into account in all processes of ecological restoration or recovery of degraded areas. Soil forms the basis of the environment and is home to one of the main components responsible for carbon storage in our earth system." - Igor Assis, Professor in the Soil Department at the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil.
Soil quality is the first essential pillar of ecological restoration. In-depth soil investigation crucial to reforestation success. Astudy published in 2020 in the journal "Forest Ecology and Management" highlights the significant impact of certain soil elements on seedling growth and survival, while underlining the importance of taking site and species specificity into account when planning restoration programs. Soils vary in composition and fertility, and soil analysis can be used to select appropriate forest species and prevent problems such as acidity. It also guides management practices, reducing plant mortality rates and ensuring the long-term restoration of ecosystems.
The first step in any forest restoration project must be to carry out a diagnosis of the terrain and soil quality in order to plan regeneration actions appropriately. It is essential to choose the most appropriate species for planting, based on the soil characteristics identified.
In collaboration with renowned laboratories in France and Brazil, MORFO is committed to research and development to improve our understanding of soils and their impact on ecological restoration. This enables us to develop more effective reforestation strategies tailored to each specific environment, guaranteeing positive, sustainable results for the ecosystems we restore.
MORFO forest monitoring enables detailed assessment of soil regeneration trends
At MORFO, in-depth soil analysis and understanding is the basis of all our restoration projects. We were working on R&D focused on the study of soils and native species, in partnership with a number of renowned laboratories in France and Brazil.
At the start of each project, we carry out an in-depth analysis of the various physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soil, to gain a better understanding of its capacity to promote plant growth and support biodiversity. Following this detailed analysis, we draw up a planting plan adapted to each site, including site preparation if necessary.
Thanks to our technology, we are able to plant on all types of soil, from the least degraded to the most degraded, including former mining sites with no biodiversity in their soils.
A study published in 2018 in "Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health" shows that integrated approaches, such as soil quality indices, are crucial for effective monitoring of ecosystem restoration.
That's why, after planting, MORFO works with more and more precise indicators - such as composition, texture, drainage and pH - all of which have a direct impact on tree growth - to assess the evolution of soil regeneration throughout the forest follow-up. Thanks to this monitoring, which enables us to stay in the loop track the progress of our projects, we are able to take corrective action if necessary.
Focus 4: Understanding forest ecosystems
Understanding the forest ecosystem is essential for long-term, sustainable restoration.
Fully understanding forest ecosystems before restoring them is essential to ensure successful and beneficial restoration efforts. By grasping the nuances and specifics of each forest ecosystem, we can develop precise restoration strategies that promote biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and support local communities. A thorough understanding enables us to take advantage of synergies between different plant species. By fully understanding these ecosystems, we can maximize the benefits of restoration and contribute to their long-term preservation.
In order to understand the different tropical forest ecosystems, we establish a double indicator.
First of all, we analyze the behavior of the ecosystems surrounding the areas we wish to restore, by studying their flora and fauna. These studies serve as a guide for selecting the most appropriate species to introduce into our restoration projects, and will also help to assess the quality of the surrounding soils.
Secondly, we continue to develop effective monitoring indicators to assess the success of our ecological restoration projects. These indicators enable us to closely monitor the evolution of restored ecosystems, and adapt our strategies accordingly to ensure their long-term health.
"Our institutional technical-scientific knowledge base has great potential for synergy with the MORFO methodology for restoration, capable of promoting forest management practices, environmental conservation and more sustainable use of natural resources. - Silvio Brienza Junior, Researcher at Embrapa
In conclusion: what are the other ecological benefits of MORFO forest restoration?
It's important to note that the ecological benefits of forest restoration can vary according to regional contexts, local biodiversity, specific environmental conditions and harvesting history. With our comprehensive solution, MORFO ecological restoration helps to:
- Promoting ecosystem regeneration: Forest restoration using the MORFO method helps to restore degraded ecosystems by promoting the natural regeneration of local vegetation and restoring natural habitats for local wildlife.
- Mitigation of diseases and invasive species: The comprehensive diversity-based MORFO restoration method helps to prevent and counter diseases and invasive species that can appear during single-species projects, for example.
- Soil fertility and microbial richness: Over time, plant organisms decompose, forming organic matter and contributing to the formation of rich, fertile soil. As the soil develops, more and more plants become established.
- Soil stabilization: tree roots help to retain soil and prevent erosion, which is particularly important in areas where the soil has suffered extreme degradation.
- Positive social impact: By working closely with local stakeholders, we improve the quality of future forest restoration by better understanding the specific characteristics of each area, enabling us to optimize our planting efforts and guarantee sustainable results that benefit both the environment and local communities. To date, over 1,000 people have worked directly or indirectly with MORFO on our projects, including seed collection, land preparation, traditional hand planting and forest monitoring.
- Climate regulation: Forests act as climate regulators by mitigating the effects of climate change, such as storms, droughts and floods.
