Soil Quality

Soil quality is fundamental in ensuring healthy forests. Mechanical operations such as logging may have a greater impact on forest floors if proper procedure is not followed. For example, minimizing soil compaction during harvesting and mechanical site preparation operations on forested lands is critical for maintaining the productive capacity of a site (Powers and others 2005). Compaction increases soil bulk density and soil strength, decreases water infiltration and aeration porosity, restricts root growth, increases surface runoff and erosion, and alters heat flux (Greacen and Sands 1980, Williamson and Nielsen 2000). Further, in forested ecosystems, the presence and availability of cations is governed through the interplay of numerous natural processes, including atmospheric additions, mineral weathering, soil formation, plant uptake and growth, forest stand dynamics, and leaching losses (Likens and others 1998). However, mounting evidence indicates that a variety of anthropogenic factors are altering biogeochemical cycles and depleting base cations such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) from terrestrial ecosystems.

The sections that follow outline various indicators of soil quality and function. Impacts of wildfire and intentional management are reviewed as are potential approaches to monitoring the quality and functionality of forest soils. The effect calcium has on forest health and productivity is also assessed.