Treesearch
Soggy soils and sustainability: forested wetlands in southeast Alaska.
| Authors: | Sally Duncan |
| Year: | 2002 |
| Type: | Science Findings |
| Station: | Pacific Northwest Research Station |
| Source: | Science Findings. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. February (41): 1-5 |
Download (PDF 358 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/4640.pdf
Abstract
The question has risen over whether forested wetlands in southeast Alaska are suitable for sustainable timber production. A significant factor limiting forest productivity in this region is excess soil moisture. Very little is known about the soil conditions that influence tree growth on forested wetlands. A research study was completed to provide information on the growth of trees on these lands, resulting in an administrative decision to leave 100,000 acres of forested wetland in the timber base on the Tongass National Forest.The forested wetland research provided information about soil types and the distribution of forested wetland soils distribution of forested wetland soils in southeast Alaska. A related study is determining how soil hydrology influences the flow and retention of water, nutrient cycling, and the formation of hydric soils in forested wetlands.