Can thinning slash cause a nitrogen deficiency in pumice soils of central Oregon?

Abstract

Decomposition of thinning slash deposited on the soil surface should have no direct adverse effect on the soil nitrogen available to higher plants in the pumice soil region. Decomposition of roots of cut trees would immobilize nitrogen in the soil immediately adjacent to the root during the decomposition period, which appears to be short for the smaller roots. However, these dead roots no longer compete for soil nitrogen in unexploited soil zones. Thus, nitrogen available for individual trees may be increased by thinning. If chipped slash is mechanically incorporated into the soil, a temporary nitrogen deficiency is likely, particularly in nonpumice soils. This deficiency can be prevented by fertilization.

Citation

Cochran, P.H. 1968. Can thinning slash cause a nitrogen deficiency in pumice soils of central Oregon?. Res. Note PNW-RN-082. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 11 p