The logging debris that remains after
timber harvest traditionally has been seen
as a nuisance. It can make subsequent tree
planting more difficult and become fuel
for wildfire. It is commonly piled, burned,
or taken off site. Logging debris, however,
contains significant amounts of carbon
and nitrogen—elements critical to soil
productivity. Its physical presence in the
regenerating forest creates microclimates
that influence a broad range of soil and
plant processes.
Researchers Tim Harrington of the
Pacific Northwest Research Station;
Robert Slesak, a soil scientist with the
Minnesota Forest Resources Council;
and Stephen Schoenholtz, a professor of
forest hydrology and soils at Virginia
Tech, conducted a five-year study at two
sites in Washington and Oregon to see
how retaining logging debris affected
the soil and other growing conditions at
each locale.
They found that keeping logging debris in
place improved soil fertility, especially in
areas with coarse-textured, nutrient-poor
soils. Soil nitrogen and other nutrients
important to tree growth increased, and
soil water availability increased due to the
debris’ mulching effect. The debris cooled
the soil, which slowed the breakdown and
release of soil carbon into the atmosphere.
It also helped prevent invasive species such
as Scotch broom and trailing blackberry
from dominating the sites.
Forest managers are using this information
to help maximize the land’s productivity
while reducing their costs associated with
debris disposal.
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