The effect of aspen harvest and growth on water yield in Minnesota

Abstract

Annual water yield increased following the clearcutting of a mature aspen forest in years 1-9 and year 14 of subsequent aspen regrowth. Maximum increases of 85, 117, and 88 mm year^-l occurred during the first 3 years of regrowth. Increases in streamflow volumes from snowmelt and early spring rains were minimal and more variable after harvest and regeneration. Most of the increases occurred during the leaf-on periods, but sporadic increases occurred during the fall-early winter recharge period as long as 15 years after harvest. Increases in water yield were best explained by changes in aboveground biomass, but precipitation, especially during the leaf-on periods, improved the relation. Increases in annual water yields became insignificant when aboveground biomass approached 57 tonnes ha^-1 (17 percent of mature forest biomass at 14-15 years of age).

Citation

Verry, Elon S. 1987. The effect of aspen harvest and growth on water yield in Minnesota. In: Forest Hydrology and Watershed Management--Proceedings of the Vancouver Symposium; August 1987; Vancouver, BC. Wallinford, UK: IAHS Publ.no.167: 553-562.