Overstory removal and residue treatments affect soil surface, air, and soil temperature: implications for seedling survival

Roger D. Hungerford; Ronald E. Babbitt

doi:10.2737/INT-RP-377

Treesearch

Overstory removal and residue treatments affect soil surface, air, and soil temperature: implications for seedling survival

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Roger D. Hungerford, Ronald E. Babbitt

Year:

1987

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/INT-RP-377

Source:

Res. Pap. INT-RP-377. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 19 p.

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Download (PDF 2.14 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/39817.pdf

Abstract

Potentially lethal ground surface temperatures were measured at three locations in the Northern Rocky Mountains but occurred more frequently under treatments with greater overstory removal. Observed maximum and minimum temperatures of exposed surfaces are directly related to the thermal properties of the surface materials. Survival of planted seedlings was consistent with the pattern of potentially lethal temperatures. Care in manipulating overstory canopies and residues can enhance the potential for tree seedling survival.

Keywords

temperature, seedling survival, timber harvesting, thermal properties

Citation

Hungerford, Roger D.; Babbitt, Ronald E. 1987. Overstory removal and residue treatments affect soil surface, air, and soil temperature: implications for seedling survival. Res. Pap. INT-RP-377. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 19 p.