Objectives:

In a known root disease infected stand:

• Test the effectiveness and cost of root removal by backhoe (with normal bucket) and by a backhoe equipped with a splitting tool
• Test the efficacy of root removal on the reduction of root disease
• Provide a basis for measuring impact of root disease on tree and stand productivity.

Experimental Design:

Layout:

Each treatment block is approximately 10 ha in size. Permanent 31 x 31m plots were randomly selected on a 100 x 100m grid. Within each plot all trees are stem mapped.  All logged blocks were planted with lodgepole pine seedlings.  

Treatments:

• Log and plant as if no root disease
• Log and plant so that seedlings are 50 cm away from stumps and major roots
• Log, destump and plant
• Log, destump, root rake and plant
• Unlogged stand (was previously selectively logged 30 to 50 years ago)

History:

• 1987-1989 - Harvest
• 1989 - Stumped and root raked
• 1991 - Plant
• 1996 - Assessments
• 1997 - Insect and disease assessment
• 2001 - Assessments

Status: Active

Reports and Publications:
none