Logging slash: its breakdown and decay at two forests in northern California

Abstract

A 34-year study of the condition of unburned logging slash in two mixed conifer sites in northern California showed that breakdown and decay occurs at a much slower rate than has been reported elsewhere. The long-term studies were made on the Lassen and Stanislaus National Forests. Correlative weather data for an 18-year period suggested that high summer temperatures and low summer and fall precipitation were vital in retarding slash decay. Most prevalent and active decay fungi were Polyporus abietinus, Fomes pinicola, and Lenzites saepiaria.

Citation

Wagener, Willis W.; Offord, Harold R. 1972. Logging slash: its breakdown and decay at two forests in northern California. Res. Paper PSW-RP-083. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 20 p