Effects of Whole-Tree Harvesting on Species Composition of Tree and Understory Communities in a Northern Hardwood Forest

Abstract The extent and magnitude of soil disturbance caused by mechanized, whole-tree harvesting was studied on a central hardwood site in Connecticut, a northern hardwood site in New Hampshire, and a spruce-fir site in Maine. Twenty-nine percent of the soil surface at the central hardwood site was undisturbed, but only 8% on the other sites was undisturbed. Mineral soil was exposed on 8 to 18% of soil surfaces after cutting, with wheel ruts more than 30 cm deep occupying less than 3%. Mechanized whole-tree harvesting causes a greater proportion of soil disturbance than other harvesting systems and will affect advanced and subsequent regeneration to a greater degree. If deep rutting occurs on wet soils, equipment should be moved until drier conditions prevail; winter logging and conversion from wheel to track vehicles may be options for reducing impact. Skid trails should follow the land contours. Travel routes should be predetermined to reduce the surface area being compacted. Practices that expose infertile mineral soil should be minimized. North. J. Appl. For. 5:30-34, March 1988.

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Comments on “Soil Nutrient Changes Following Whole Tree Harvesting on Three Northern Hardwood Sites”

Soil Science Society of America Journal ◽

10.2136/sssaj1987.03615995005100040049x ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 1086-1087 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dan Binkley

Keyword(s):

Soil Nutrient ◽

Northern Hardwood ◽

Nutrient Changes ◽

Whole Tree Harvesting ◽

Whole Tree ◽

Tree Harvesting

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The effect of whole-tree harvest on phosphorus cycling in a northern hardwood forest

Forest Ecology and Management ◽

10.1016/s0378-1127(97)00256-9 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 104 (1-3) ◽

pp. 281-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Ruth D Yanai

Keyword(s):

Phosphorus Cycling ◽

Hardwood Forest ◽

Northern Hardwood Forest ◽

Northern Hardwood ◽

Whole Tree

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Harvesting Causes Only Minor Changes in Physical Properties of an Upland Vermont Soil

Northern Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/njaf/8.1.33 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 33-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John R. Donnelly ◽

John B. Shane ◽

Harry W. Yawney

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Forest Soil ◽

Vegetation Cover ◽

Hardwood Forest ◽

Northern Hardwood Forest ◽

Soil Oxygen ◽

Northern Hardwood ◽

Tree Removal ◽

Whole Tree

Abstract Bulk density, oxygen, and temperature of a northern hardwood forest soil in Vermont were measured immediately before and for 2 years following harvesting using conventional clearcut and whole-tree removal methods. Bulk density increased (P ≤ 0.10) as a result of harvesting, but there was no difference between the two harvest methods. Increases were relatively small, and essentially disappeared within 2 years. Soil oxygen was never significantly affected by treatment. Soils in uncut (control) plots were warmer in winter and cooler in summer than those of either harvest area, but these differences appear to be diminishing with establishment of vegetation cover on the harvested plots. North. J. Appl. For 8(1):33-36.

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