Determination of reindeers’ summer fodder Cs-137 content in Finnish reindeer management areaAim of the studyThe objective of the project is to study reindeers’ summer fodder plants and their 137Cs content (previously only lichens have been studied). From the results, the estimations of the possible fallout and its effects to summer pastures in different reindeer herding districts will be made. ImplementationIn 1997-1998 Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute’s (RKTL) reindeer research station together with the Oulu University department of geography mapped the quality and quantity of vegetation in the Finnish reindeer management area. This was done by collecting samples of reindeer summer fodder as well as and via satellite images. The samples were collected throughout one district by species and then merged into one sample in the laboratory, e.g. birch leaves from one district were merged into one sample to represent this species. Dissemination and exploitation of the resultsThe results will be used to estimate how a possible fallout would affect the different parts of a reindeer management area. The overgrazing has been seen for over many years in the lichen fields, and thus the 137Cs levels in the summer fodder has become increasingly important. Vegetation and biomass can be estimated from the satellite images and they can be used for regional vulnerability studies. The study shows possible indicator species along with the lichen that would be sensitive to nuclear fallout. Regional differences in the 137Cs content in different species can be viewed from the thematic maps. The 137Cs content will also be compared to the different soil types, e.g. by taking advantage of the soil map. In addition, statistical dependencies between soil types and vegetation will be studied. CollaboratorsRKTL Reindeer Research Station, Finland; Alfred Colbaert, Finland; Oulu University, Finland Timetable2007 – 2009 Responsible scientistJarkko Ylipieti Page updated 15/05/2009
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