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Treesearch

Soils

Informally Refereed
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Download (PDF 722 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/46962.pdf

Abstract

When managing for resilient forests, each soil’s inherent capacity to resist and recover from changes in soil function should be evaluated relative to the anticipated extent and duration of soil disturbance. Application of several key principles will help ensure healthy, resilient soils: (1) minimize physical disturbance using guidelines tailored to specific soil types; (2) evaluate changes in nutrient capital and turnover, perhaps using simple balance sheets; and (3) recognize effects on organic matter and soil biota. Because of fire suppression, accumulations of litter and duff in many Sierra Nevada forests that evolved with frequent fires may exceed levels that occurred historically and may now represent novel conditions. As a result, proportionately higher pools of nutrients may exist aboveground than in the past.

Parent Publication

Keywords

ecological restoration, socioecological systems, ecosystem resilience, forest planning, fire management, altered fire regimes, wildfire, climate change, anthropogenic disturbance, invasive species, water resources, species of conservation concern, California

Citation

Moghaddas, E.; Hubbert, K. 2014. Soils. In: Long, J.W.; Quinn-Davidson, L.; Skinner, C.N., eds. Science synthesis to support socioecological resilience in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-247. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 223-262. Chap. 5.1.
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