Validating visual disturbance types and classes used for forest soil monitoring protocols

Deborah S. Page-Dumroese; Ann M. Abbott; M. P. Curran; M. F. Jurgensen

doi:10.2737/RMRS-GTR-267

Treesearch

Validating visual disturbance types and classes used for forest soil monitoring protocols

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Deborah S. Page-Dumroese, Ann M. Abbott, M. P. Curran, M. F. Jurgensen

Year:

2012

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/RMRS-GTR-267

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-267. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 17 p.

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Download (PDF 3.75 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/39735.pdf

Abstract

We describe several methods for validating visual soil disturbance classes used during forest soil monitoring after specific management operations. Site-specific vegetative, soil, and hydrologic responses to soil disturbance are needed to identify sensitive and resilient soil properties and processes; therefore, validation of ecosystem responses can provide information for best management practices in selecting appropriate harvest and site preparation techniques that limit long-term degradation and maintain site productivity and hydrologic function. Although research on forest managements affect on soil properties and plant growth responses has been conducted on a few sites, there is a need for additional site-specific validation data of soil visual disturbance attributes across the range of soil and forest conditions.

Keywords

soil productivity, vegetation, hydrologic function, adaptive management, soil disturbance type, soil disturbance severity class

Citation

Page-Dumroese, D. S.; Abbott, A. M.; Curran, M. P.; Jurgensen, M. F. 2012. Validating visual disturbance types and classes used for forest soil monitoring protocols. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-267. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 17 p.