Long-term soil productivity and sustainability of forest harvest residue harvesting

Presenters: Jeff Hatten, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University; Scott Holub, Silviculture Research Scientist, Weyerhaeuser NR Company

Hosted by: Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA)

Forest harvesting intrinsically removes organic matter and associated nutrients; these exports may impact soil productivity of managed forests. We will examine the effects of removing forest floor and harvest residues on soils and sustainable production in intensively managed Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest. We will discuss the amount and types of biomass being removed and how biomass harvesting impacts various nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium). Nutrient removals may impact long-term production or growth in these forests, and we will use simple thresholds and nutrient budgets to examine this trend. Finally, we will discuss the limitations of this approach and opportunities for further research. Webinar attendees will come away with an understanding of the issues surrounding long-term sustainability in forest residue harvesting scenarios and the limitations of our knowledge on these issues.

Register for this webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3399378061156075522

NARA webinars benefit industry (primary and secondary manufacturers, chemical, and biofuel), researchers, contractors, land managers, policymakers, state and local agency personnel, NGOs, educators, and students – all who are interested and involved in operations converting forest-based biomass to biofuels and co-products.

Future webinars are posted to http://nararenewables.org/features/webinar-series

https://youtu.be/Bkho8fsrZGA