Download (PDF 70 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/65866.pdf
Abstract
The long-term impact of increased removal of forest biomass and nutrients with increased harvest intensity on soil productivity is a general concern. In 1994, a long-term study was initiated in the Missouri Ozarks as part of the National Long-Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) study to study the effects of biomass removal and compaction on soil productivity. The study has three levels each of organic matter removal (boles only, whole tree, and whole tree plus forest floor) and soil compaction (none, moderate, and severe). This report presents 3-year preliminary results from the low and high organic matter removal and soil compaction treatments with and without weed control on survival and growth of planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) seedlings. Differences in seedling survival were affected by organic matter removal and soil compaction treatments. Trees with weed control were larger in diameter, taller, and had more diameter and height growth than trees without weed control. Organic matter removal and soil compaction treatments significantly affected the height and diameter growth of trees differently. Analysis of spring and fall samplings of earthworm populations showed that soil compaction and time of sampling significantly influenced the number and biomass of earthworms.
Parent Publication
Citation
Ponder Jr., Felix; Alley, Darrell E.; Jordan, Diann; Swartz, Mary E.; Hubbard, Victoria C. 1999. Impacts of harvest intensity and soil disturbance on early tree growth and earthworm populations in a Missouri Ozark Forest. In: Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Loftis, David L., eds. 1999. Proceedings, 12th central hardwood forest conference; 1999 February 28-March 1-2; Lexington, KY. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-24. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 293 p.
