Forest Management and Nutrient Cycling in Eastern Hardwoods

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The literature was reviewed for reports on nutrient cycling in the eastern deciduous forest, particularly with respect to nitrogen, and for effects of forest management on the nutrient cycle. Although most such research has dealt with conifers, a considerable body of literature relates to hardwoods. Usually, only those references that dealt quantitatively with nutrient cycling were cited. The nutrient content of the forest stand is a relatively small part of the total nutrient pool contained in soil. Under the present practices of harvesting stem wood on a 50- to 100-year rotation, nutrient deficiency as a result of crop removal seems unlikely on most forest land. The probability of nutrient deficiency increases as the trend continues toward shorter rotations and more complete utilization of branchwood, thinnings, culls, and brush presently left on the site to nourish forest regeneration after cutting. Nutrient deficiencies that develop as a result of product harvest can be resolved by modifying cutting practices or by fertilization, or both.

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