B.C. Ministry of Forests Forest Science Program
				Abstract for LTSPS Research Note 02

		Fourth Year Responses of Aspen and White Spruce; The BWBS Long-Term Soil Productivity Study
		Author: Richard Kabzems
		Branch: Research
		Subject:  Soil Conservation
		Series:  LTSPS Research Note
		Other details:  Published by Prince George, Prince Rupert and Cariboo Forest Regions - February 2000.

Abstract

Maintaining the long term productivity of forest soils is essential for future forest growth. Organic matter losses and decreases in aeration porosity (soil compaction) are considered to be the fundamental factors contributing to observed declines in forest productivity (Powers et.al.,1990).The consequences of changes to these soil properties are not well documented, particularly in boreal ecosystems.

Post-harvest reductions in both the quantity and productivity of regenerated aspen have been observed on boreal forest sites. Particularly on the medium-and fine-textured soils common in north-eastern British Columbia, sites with a summer harvesting history commonly have reduced numbers of aspen regeneration, even where harvesting disturbance has not created ruts or excessive soil displacement. Growth responses of white spruce to harvesting disturbance are difficult to separate from the effects of competing vegetation (particularly Calamagrostis canadensis) and microsite differences in soil drainage.

Quantifying the effects of different levels of organic matter removal and soil compaction of the long-term productivity of forest soils is one of the objectives of the LTSP study. In this note, the growth responses of trembling aspen and white spruce regeneration four years after compaction and organic matter removal treatments are described.

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Updated September 2002

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