Compaction is perceived as one of the leading causes soil degradation resulting from forest operations. The objectives this study were, for two contrasting textural groups (i) to assess persistence compaction; (ii) compare growth patterns seedlings submitted different levels physical disturbance induced by harvesting, and (iii) relative importance properties on these patterns. Six years following penetration resistance showed significant relationships with traffic while between patterns,...

The SAFE (sylviculture et aménagement forestiers écosystémique) project was set up in 1998 the Lake Duparquet Research and Teaching Forest to test stand-level silvicultural treatments designed reflect different aspects of natural forest dynamics. In winter 1998–1999, four levels harvesting, including a no-harvest clearcut treatment, were applied even-aged trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands according complete block design with three replications. Two partial cut removed 33%...

Snags and downed logs are substantial components of the detrital carbon pool in boreal forests. Effects their decomposition on chemical physical characteristics forest floor remain relatively unknown. The main objective this study was to characterize transformations decaying snags common tree species mixedwood forest. Logs from a wide range decay classes were sampled analyzed by solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy near-infrared spectroscopy. Little or moderate changes...

Careful logging regulations in Quebec restrict circulation of harvesting and forwarding or skidding machinery to evenly spaced, parallel trails, which creates a particular pattern disturbed relatively undisturbed zones cutovers. A 7-year monitoring study was established evaluate the effects careful on vegetation development southern boreal forest Quebec. total 255 sample plots (2 m 2 ) were located seven cutovers predominantly black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) forests that whole-tree...

The effects of harvesting and slash treatments on soil nutrient dynamics were assessed in boreal aspen stands growing mesic clayey sites. Stem‐only harvested compared with unharvested controls according to a complete block design three replications. Within areas, four (stem‐only [SOH], whole‐tree [WHT], wood chip application, burns) compared. Treatments created gradient that ranged from 52.3 Mg ha −1 stem‐only 13.8 control stands. amount had no effect decomposition rates but was strongly...

To assess nutrient dynamics in decomposing logs of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), we monitored mass losses changes N P contents dead boles from a chronosequence sites following stand-replacing disturbances. the importance wood decomposition to cycling, compared net estimates release with immobilization live-tree biomass stands as function time since disturbance....

Soil compaction induced by forest harvesting operations can reduce site productivity. Intensity, extent and persistence of soil were assessed on fine- to medium- coarse-textured soils. Severe took place in the wheel track section skid trails. On medium-textured soils, half effects 0- 10-cm 10- 20-cm mineral bulk densities (+11 +8%) changes depth strength (+69%) occurred course first two skidding cycles (cycle impact). coarse effect density (+11%) during three passes. Cycles impact for 9, 14,...

Jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) total stem volume increment vertical growth distribution after thinning were quantified related to foliage biomass, density, efficiency (GE) (stem biomass ratio). Significant positive increments observed following for jack (3 years after) (4 after). Both species reacted differently in terms of the specific (SVI) (annual cambial surface ratio): (i) pine, an increase SVI was first at base tree, with moving...

In the boreal forest, establishment of tree regeneration is tightly linked to both mast years and availability adequate germination beds for seedlings. We took advantage a year (2006) in eastern mixedwood compare seedling 2007 survival 2 4 later on sections fallen logs equivalent areas adjacent forest floor. Several factors that could explain seedlings were measured, including wood resistance, density, moisture content, C/N ratio. Our results show small-seeded species, such as white birch (...

In the winter of 1998–1999, two partial harvesting treatments that removed 33% (1/3) and 61% (2/3) stand basal area were applied to even-aged trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands compared with unharvested control stands. Stands in 1/3 treatment low thinned, while 2/3 removal crown thinned. Coarse woody debris dynamics assessed during following 6 years by means permanent sampling plots downed wood inventories. Between 1999 2004, tree mortality was, respectively, 18%, 17%, 32%...

Partial harvesting has been proposed as a key aspect to implementing ecosystem management in the Canadian boreal forest. We report on replicated experiment located mixedwoods of Northwestern Quebec. In winter 2000–2001, two partial treatments, one using dispersed pattern, and second, which created (400 m2) gap were applied 90-year-old aspen-dominated mixed stand. The design also included clear cut control. Over course following eight years, live tree, coarse woody debris, regeneration ground...