Objectives:

To describe the impact of a stump uprooting operations on soils, on the composition and development of vegetation, and on the growth of planted trees.

Experimental Design:

Layout:

Three pairs of plots were established, each consisting of one with stump uprooting and one without, located as close as possible. One additional plot was established containing a balance of stump uprooted and undisturbed portions. Plots varied from 20 x 20 m to 30 x 30 m depending on number of disturbance categories included.

Treatments:

A total of 600 Douglas-fir and 600 lodgepole pine were planted in the seven plots. Fifty trees of each species were planted in each of the categories (undisturbed soil, deposit and tracks) found within each plot.

History:

• 1983 - Stumped uprooted.
• 1984 - Surface soil conditions and vegetative cover assessed. Soil characteristics measured (Bulk density, particle size, chemistry, penetrability).
• 1985 - Tree plantation established.
• 1985-1999 - Annual seedling assessments for first five years, then in years 8, 10, and 15.
• 1985-1987 -Annual vegetation assessment for first three years.
• 1989 - Plant moisture stress and tree foliage sampling.
• 1997 - Tree foliage and soil sampling.
• 1999 - Tree growth assessment

Status: Active.

Reports and Publications:

Smith, R.B., and E.F. Wass, 1994. Impacts of a stump uprooting operation on properties of a calcareous loamy soil and on planted seedling performance. Can. For, Serv., Pac. For. Cent. Victoria, B.C. Inf. Rep. BC-X-344. 19 p.

Wass, E.F., and R.B. Smith, 1994. Impacts of soil disturbance on root systems of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine seedlings. Can. For, Serv., Pac. For. Cent. Victoria, B.C. Inf. Rep. BC-X-348. 22p