The manipulation of forest floor can have many effects on soil productivity. The amount of forest floor is often an indication of productivity and/or sustainability in a forested ecosystem. Intensive forest management activities can enhance or deplete forest floor levels. The Pamlico Organic Matter Study was established in 2006 to evaluate the impact of organic matter manipulation in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in the Southeastern US (lower Coastal Plain of NC). Thirty plots were established in a randomized complete block design following the clearcut of a 33 year old stand. The three treatments evaluated were: control (leaving stand unaltered before and after planting), removed (forest floor and slash material were completely removed from stand before planting using tarps), and doubled (forest floor and slash material from removed treatment added to stand before planting). Soil samples were collected at three depths (0-12.5cm, 12.5-25cm and 25-37.5cm) and tree heights and diameters were measured.
Results/Conclusions
After calculating volume using tree heights and diameters there were no differences detected between treatments (average volume = 157m3/ha). Additionally there were no differences in % soil organic matter, soil nitrogen or soil phosphorus. When evaluating soil nutrients (Ca, Zn, MG, K), there were no treatment differences. These results indicate that the soil on this site is quite resilient to the management impacts of adding and removing organic matter. The soil type is Craven soil series (fine, mixed, subactive, thermic, Aquic Hapludult) with an A horizon of 10cm thickness.