Site Preparation Effects on Soil Bulk Density and Pine Seedling Growth

1981 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Stransky
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Surface Moisture ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Density Probe

Abstract Soil bulk density was sampled the first and third growing seasons after site preparation and pine planting on three clearcut pine-hardwood forest sites in eastern Texas. Bulk density was measured 10 cm below the surface of mineral soil using a surface moisture-density probe. Plots that had been KG-bladed and chopped had significantly higher bulk density than those that were burned or left untreated. After 5 years the survival, height, and diameter growth of pines averaged highest on the mechanically treated plots, probably because competition from other woody stems was much less than in the untreated and burned plots.

Evaluation of planting sites common to a southeast Alaska clear-cut. II. Available inoculum of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcumgeophilum

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles G. Shaw III ◽  
Roy C. Sidle
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Southeast Alaska ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Rotten Wood ◽  
Mycorrhizal Propagules ◽  
Soil Volume ◽  
High Lead

Three microsites common to clear-cuts logged by the high-lead method in southeast Alaska were sampled to quantify the occurrence and viability of sclerotia of Cenococcumgeophilum Fr. Undisturbed duff had significantly greater numbers of sclerotia per gram or per cubic centimetre of soil than either exposed mineral soil or rotten wood. There were significantly fewer viable sclerotia per cubic centimetre of rotten wood than in either exposed mineral soil or undisturbed duff. Numbers of viable sclerotia that could contact the root plug of a containerized seedling when it was planted into rotten wood, exposed mineral soil, or undisturbed duff were calculated to be 0.7, 6.1, and 7.2, respectively. Expressing abundance of mycorrhizal propagules by soil volume, rather than weight, is more meaningful when microsites with large differences in soil bulk density are compared.

scholarly journals Aspen and white spruce productivity is reduced by organic matter removal and soil compaction

2012 ◽  
Vol 88 (03) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Kabzems
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Organic Matter Removal

Declines in forest productivity have been linked to losses of organic matter and soil porosity. To assess how removal of organic matter and soil compaction affect short-term ecosystem dynamics, pre-treatment and year 1, 5 and 10 post-treatment soil properties and post-treatment plant community responses were examined in a boreal trembling aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.)-dominated ecosystem in northeastern British Columbia. The experiment used a completely randomized design with three levels of organic matter removal (tree stems only; stems and slash; stems, slash and forest floor) and three levels of soil compaction (none, intermediate [2-cm impression], heavy [5-cm impression]). Removal of the forest floor initially stimulated aspen regeneration and significantly reduced height growth of aspen (198 cm compared to 472–480 cm) as well as white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) height (82 cm compared to 154–156 cm). The compaction treatments had no effect on aspen regeneration density. At Year 10, heights of both aspen and white spruce were negatively correlated with upper mineral soil bulk density and were lowest on forest floor + whole tree removal treatments. Recovery of soil properties was occurring in the 0 cm to 2 cm layer of mineral soil. Bulk density values for the 0 cm to 10 cm depth remained above 86% of the maximum bulk density for the site, a soil condition where reduced tree growth can be expected.

scholarly journals Changes in Soil Bulk Density Resulting from Construction and Conventional Cable Skidding Using Preplanned Skid Trails

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingxin Wang ◽  
Chris B. LeDoux ◽  
Pam Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Density Increase ◽  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Extraction Equipment ◽  
Harvest Site

Abstract A harvesting system consisting of chainsaw felling and cable skidder extraction was studied to determine soil bulk density changes in a central Appalachian hardwood forest site. Soil bulk density was measured using a nuclear gauge preharvest and postharvest systematically across the harvest site, on transects across skid trails, and for a subset of skid trail transects closest to log landing after each of the first ten loaded machine passes. Bulk density was also measured in skid trails after their construction but prior to skidding. Bulk density did not change significantly across the harvest site, because the extraction equipment stayed on the preplanned skid trails. Bulk density increased on the skid trails as a result of construction by crawler bulldozer and during skidding. Bulk density in the skid trail increased by 30% because of construction by a crawler bulldozer. Fifty-five percent of the increase in bulk density attributable to skidding occurred after one loaded pass, and 80% of the bulk density increase was experienced after two loaded passes. Bulk density increased by only 5% between passes five and ten.

Compaction by forestry equipment and effects on coniferous seedling growth on four soils in the Alberta foothills

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian G.W. Corns
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
Root Depth ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Maximum Root ◽  
Shoot Weight

Soils developed on four parent materials (glaciolacustrine clay, clay loam till, coarse fluvial, and loamy eolian) in west-central Alberta were examined to determine residual effects of logging and use of site-preparation equipment upon soil bulk density. These studies were conducted on sites that were logged during the previous 24 years. Compaction was evident on all soils except those of the Summit association, which were dominantly Brunisolic Gray Luvisols developed on cobbly fluvial deposits of Tertiary age. Compaction was greatest on soils of the Marlboro association, which were dominantly Brunisolic Gray Luvisols developed on clay loam till. Soil bulk density values on the clear-cuts had recovered to those of the controls at comparable depth at ages ranging from 0 (Summit) to 17–21 years (Marlboro). Lodgepole pine and white spruce seedlings were grown on the four soils compacted in the laboratory to three bulk densities approximating the following field conditions: (1) those observed or expected immediately following logging and site preparation; (2) those observed 5–10 years after logging and site preparation; and (3) undisturbed control. In most cases, significant reduction in nine expressions of seedling growth (maximum root depth, maximum root depth in soil core, total weight, shoot weight, root weight, stem diameter, shoot height, seedling survival, and shoot weight: root weight ratio) was observed with increased bulk density.

Site preparation for Pinus establishment in south-eastern Queensland. 1. Temporal changes in bulk density

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Costantini ◽  
MR Nester ◽  
M Podberscek
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Preparation Technique ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Density Reduction ◽  
Poorly Drained Soils ◽  
The Impact

In south-eastern Queensland, Australia, standard site preparation practices used for Pinus plantation establishment are mounding (bedding) on poorly drained soils and blade cultivation (subsurface, wing rip) on well-drained soils. This paper reports the impacts of both site preparation treatments on soil bulk density over time. Following site preparation, the extent of bulk density reduction and the nature of bulk density consolidation was affected by soil type, soil depth and the site preparation technique used. On high strength, hardsetting soils, bulk density reductions from both mounding and blade cultivation persisted throughout the 28-month period, and contrasted with non-hardsetting soils in the plantation estate, which consolidated more rapidly and had higher bulk densities relative to precultivation levels for the period 4-28 months following site preparation. The studies reported in this paper were the first in south-eastern Queensland to investigate the impact of site preparation for Pinus establishment on the nature and longevity of bulk density reductions. Previously, plantation managers assumed that positive site preparation impacts would be relatively short-lived, and therefore developed a prudential policy of planting Pinus seedlings immediately following site preparation. For the soils studied, delays of 2-4 months, and perhaps up to 6 months, between site preparation and planting would not compromise Pinus growth, but would assist management planning.

Rhizome growth of Calamagrostis canadensis in response to soil nutrients and bulk density

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Landhäusser ◽  
K. J. Stadt ◽  
V. J. Lieffers ◽  
D. H. McNabb
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Nutrient Availability ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Calamagrostis Canadensis ◽  
Rhizome Growth ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Rhizome Biomass ◽  
Split Container

In a series of experiments, we investigated rhizome spread and the growth of C. canadensis, as governed by changes in soil bulk density and nutrient availability. The ability of rhizomes originating from vigorous Calamagrostis canadensis plants to penetrate mineral soil with different bulk densities and their response to various nutrient conditions were assessed in a split container experiment. Decreasing biomass and length of rhizomes with increasing soil bulk density showed that clonal expansion of C. canadensis onto areas of exposed mineral soil from adjacent swards was limited mainly by soil bulk density. No nutrient effect on rhizome growth was detectable; the rhizomes were probably well supplied with nutrients by translocation from the mother plant. Results of a second split container experiment indicated that rhizome growth was better in organic than in mineral soils. In a third experiment, entire C. canadensis plants were grown in mineral soil at different levels of soil bulk density and nutrient condition. Here, rhizome biomass and expansion were limited mainly by nutrient availability; however, once the nutritional needs of the plants were met, increasing bulk density reduced the amount of rhizome spread. These results could be useful in reforestation, e.g. selecting those methods of site preparation which reduce the growth and competitive ability of C. canadensis relative to tree seedlings. Key words: Compaction, rhizome, litter, mineral soil, yield, Calamagrostis canadensis

Soil compaction induced by careful logging in the claybelt region of northwestern Quebec (Canada)

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Brais ◽  
C. Camiré
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Strength ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Site Productivity ◽  
Wheel Track

Soil compaction induced by forest harvesting operations can reduce site productivity. Intensity, extent and persistence of soil compaction were assessed on fine- to medium- and coarse-textured soils. Severe compaction took place in the wheel track section of the skid trails. On fine- to medium-textured soils, half of the effects on the 0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm mineral soil bulk densities (+11 and +8%) and half of the changes in the 10-cm depth soil strength (+69%) occurred in the course of the first two skidding cycles (cycle of half impact). On coarse soils, half of the effect on the 0- to 10-cm bulk density (+11%) occurred during the first three passes. Cycles of half impact for soil strength were 9, 14, 7 and 6 for the 2.5-, 5-, 10-, and 20-cm depths and corresponded to increases of 235, 402, 157 and 103% respectively. Compaction was more limited between track sections of trails. Six to twelve years following clearcutting on fine- to medium-textured soils, 0- to 10-cm soil bulk density was less in the skid trails than on the undisturbed sections of cutovers. Careful logging on moist, fine- to medium-textured soils is the safest way to limit the extent of soil compaction. On coarse-textured soils, spreading the traffic remains a valid option. Key words: Soil compaction, bulk density, soil strength, forest harvesting, careful logging

Impacts of harvesting and mechanical site preparation on soil chemical properties of mixed-wood boreal forest sites in Alberta

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Schmidt ◽  
S. E. Macdonald ◽  
R. L. Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Mineralizable Nitrogen ◽  
Surface Mineral

We examined the impacts of harvesting and mechanical site preparation (MSP) on soil chemical properties of mixed-wood boreal forest sites in west central Alberta. Treatments included: 1) disc trencher, hinge, and trench microsites; 2) ripper plow, hinge, and trench microsites; 3) blading thin (organic layer depth < 2 cm), and thick (organic layer depth > 2 cm) microsites; 4) harvested with no site preparation; and 5) unharvested. Twenty months after harvesting, the forest floor of harvested areas with no MSP (vs. unharvested) had higher carbon:nitrogen ratios lower pH, and lower concentrations of total and mineralizable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable bases Fifteen months after MSP, treated areas had either reduced or unchanged concentrations of total nitrogen and carbon, available phosphorus, and mineralizable nitrogen in the surface mineral soil, compared with harvested sites with no site preparation. The MSP-treated areas also had increased or unchanged pH, base saturation, and exchangeable base concentrations. Microsites adjacent to the displaced forest floor (hinge for disc and ripper treatments) or with a thicker organic layer (thick for blading) generally had higher concentrations of total nitrogen and carbon, and mineralizable nitrogen in the surface mineral soil as compared to trench and thin microsites. Key words: Forest soils, mechanical site preparation, harvesting, N, P, mixed-wood boreal forest

Herbicide and Container System Effects on Survival and Early Growth of Conifers in Northern Wisconsin

1978 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonan V. Noste ◽  
Howard M. Phipps
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Growing Seasons

Seedlings of four conifer species grown in four container systems were field tested on intensively prepared sites. Plots were treated with the herbicides Casoron and Roundup for follow-up weed control Jack pine survived and grew best after two full growing seasons. The Rootrainer container and a plug container bound with an experimental polymer gave consistently good results for all species. Height and diameter growth were best on plots treated with Roundup. Casoron decreased survival slightly. In the initial phase of establishment, use of these herbicides may not be justified, if mechanical site preparation is thorough enough, but this must await further evaluation.

scholarly journals Site Preparation Effects on 20 Year Survival and Growth of Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and on Selected Soil Properties

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Harrington ◽  
K.B. Piatek ◽  
D.S. DeBell
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Survival And Growth

Abstract Long-term effects of site preparation on tree performance and soil properties are not well known. Five site preparation treatments were evaluated to determine how they affected survival and growth of Douglas-fir 3, 10, and 20 yr after planting, and soil bulk density, C, N, P, and organic matter concentrations at 0 to 20 cm soil depth 21 yr after planting. The site preparation treatments were imposed following logging of three harvest units of old-growth forest on a volcanic soil in southwestern Washington; the units were logged to leave 17, 38, and 53 ton/ha of woody residue. The site preparation treatments were hand-pile-and-burn, machine-pile-and-burn, scarification, broadcast burn, and control. Mean survival ranged from 86% at age 3 to 70% at age 20, and average tree heights at 3, 10, and 20 yr were 0.6, 4.1, and 11.7 m. The scarification treatment had the best growth; at age 20, its average tree was 21% taller, 26% larger in diameter, and 82% greater in volume than the control. The hand-pile-and-burn treatment did not differ from the control in tree growth; the machine-pile-and-burn and broadcast burn treatments were intermediate in their growth response. Average soil bulk density was 0.74 g/cm3, organic matter concentration was 118 g/kg, and C, N, and P concentrations were 49, 1.6, and 0.7 g/kg with no significant treatment effects. Site preparation may have benefited growth of the trees on these units by decreasing competition from invading and regrowing vegetation, increasing nutrient availability, or increasing soil temperature. West. J. Appl. For. 18(1):44–51.

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