Shifts in Aboveground and Forest Floor Carbon and Nitrogen Pools After Felling and Burning in the Southern Appalachians

Authors: Clinton, Barton D.; Vose, James M.; Swank, Wayne T.

Source: Forest Science, Volume 42, Number 4, 1 November 1996 , pp. 431-441(11)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

Changes in aboveground and forest floor mass, carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) pools were quantified on three sites in the southern Appalachians 2 yr after felling and burning. Before felling and burning, stands were characterized by sparse overstories and dense Kalmia latifolia L. understories. Two years after burning, foliar C and N pools had reached 25% and 29% of pretreatment levels, respectively. Foliar N concentrations were not different from pretreatment values. Standing wood C and N pools were 1% and 2%, respectively, of pretreatment values. Wood N concentrations were significantly higher on two sites, likely related to differences in fire intensity. Forest floor N content 2 yr after burning was 90% of pretreatment levels, most contained in unconsumed large woody material. Forest floor mass was significantly lower in the Oi layer and unchanged in the Oe + Oa layers. Forest floor N concentrations were generally lower after treatment. The site with the least intense fire and the lowest mass loss from the forest floor had the highest forest floor, foliage, and wood N concentrations 2 yr after burning. Site recovery after felling and burning was a function of fire severity and the capacity for site-nutrient retention through plant uptake. For. Sci. 42(4):431-441.

Keywords: Fire; site preparation; nutrient retention; Kalmia latifolia L; stand restoration

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Project Leader of the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Otto, NC 28763

Publication date: 1996-11-01

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