The effects of clear‐felling subalpine coniferous forests on soil physical and chemical properties in the eastern Tibetan Plateau |
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| Authors: | X Y Pang W K Bao N Wu |
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| Institution: | 1. Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 416, Chengdu 610041, China;2. Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China |
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| Abstract: | Establishing soil quality changes following clear‐felling is important for guiding the sustainable management of forests. In this study we identified changes after 4, 5, 10 and 17 yr in soil physical and chemical properties from clear‐felling in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. These properties were also compared with those of soil from an adjacent primary forest. The results show that: (i) bulk density at 0–20 and 20–40 cm soil layer continuously increased; (ii) soil C and total N in the 0–20 cm soil layer continuously declined following clear‐felling; and (iii) available soil nutrients and exchangeable cations were significantly influenced by clear‐felling. Almost all soil properties showed deteriorating trends within a short time from clear‐felling and subsequent seasonal grazing by cattle. Therefore, improved management is imperative for sustaining soil quality and maintaining the long‐term nutrient balance in clear‐cut stands. The cessation of anthropogenic activities such as grazing should be the main strategy for soil restoration in clear‐felled areas. |
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| Keywords: | Clear‐felling degradation index Tibetan Plateau soil quality subalpine coniferous forest sustainability |
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