Impact of Forest Management on Wood Stake Decomposition in Mineral Soil: Index for Soil Productivity. (5728)
Authors:
A.H. Collins* - USDA -FS, Moscow, ID
M.F. Jurgensen - Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI D.S. Page-Dumroese - USDA-FS, Moscow, ID
P.E. Laks - Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI D.D. Reed - Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Abstract:
Forest management practices impact soil organic matter (OM) decomposition rates, which can change soil nutrient availability and carbon sequestration. Relatively few decomposition studies have been conducted at different depths in the surface
mineral soil. Wood stakes, as a surrogate of coarse roots are an appropriate
substrate to monitor OM decomposition in mineral soil. The objectives of this study are to estimate the effects of surface OM removal and soil compaction on wood decomposition in the mineral soil, and determine the effects of soil moisture and temperature on decomposition rates. The study is located on a Long Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) site, in the Priest River Experimental Forest, ID. Wood stakes of loblolly pine and trembling aspen were inserted in the surface mineral horizons of treatment plots with combinations of OM removal and soil compaction. Stakes were also placed in an adjacent old-growth western hemlock/western red cedar stand. Every six months for 2.5 years, stakes were removed from each plot and analyzed for, wood strength loss and weight loss. Preliminary results indicate that OM removal after clearcut harvesting greatly increased wood decomposition compared to an old growth stand. Wood stake decomposition was less affected by the soil compaction treatment.
Speaker Information: Anne Collins, USDA -FS, Moscow, ID, PO Box 764, Hougton, MI 49931; Phone: 906.523.1145; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 7:40 AM-10:05 AM Presentation Start: 9:00 AM
Keywords: Wood Stake Decomposition; Soil Compaction; Soil Organic Matter;
Mineral Soils