Effects of whole-tree and stem-only clearcutting on postharvest hydrologic losses, nutrient capital, and regrowth
1988
Mann, L.K. | Johnson, D.W. | West, D.C. | Cole, D.W. | Hornbeck, J.W. | Martin, C.W. | Riekerk, H. | Smith, C.T. | Swank, W.T. | Tritton, L.M. | Van Lear, D.H.
Nutrient removal by sawlog or pulpwood harvest (SAW), and whole-tree harvesting (WTH) was determined for 11 forest stands located throughout the United States. Data from this study combined with previously published nutrient budgets indicated potential net losses of Ca and K at most sites without harvest, and net losses of N, P, K, and Ca with either SAW or WTH. Total stem biomass and nutrients were significantly correlated with total above-stump biomass, providing a means for estimating nutrient removals with WTH and SAW in commerical forests. Limited data from harvested stands indicated greater regrowth biomass with SAW than with WTH on some sites. In the 11 harvested stands, hydrologic losses of N, K, and Ca generally increased immediately after harvest, but returned to levels comparable to control areas within 3 years. Because of the short duration of elevated nutrient losses, the hyrologic losses are considered minor relative to harvest removals. Ca and K are possible exceptions. The large difference in amounts of nutrients left on site in logging slash after SAW compared with WTH did not result in major differences in leaching or runoff at sites where comparisons were made.
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