Effect of final cutting on the water, carbon and nutrient stores and fluxes in boreal forest on mineral soil

Logging residues retain nitrogen

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of final cutting and soil preparation on the carbon and nutrient stores in forest vegetation, volume and quality of the water input and output through the forest ecosystem and the quality of ground water in ground water areas. Carbon and nutrient stores and fluxes in natural-state forests were also assessed.

The study showed that shortly after the cutting (1-3 years) the logging residue retained nitrogen, but phosphorus and potassium were released. After the cuttings, the concentration of suspended solids and the leaching of potassium were first observed in outlet stream water samples. Phosphorus was effectively retained in mineral soil. Ground vegetation also retained leaching nutrients, and its biomass was returned to the level prior to the cuttings in five years, but changes had taken place in the vegetation species.

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