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Long-term stream chemistry monitoring on the fernow experiment forest: implications for sustainable management of hardwood forests

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Long-term monitoring of stream chemistry of forested watersheds on the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia has been conducted to determine the effects of both human induced and natural disturbances on nutrient cycling and stream chemistry. We compare mean annual stream water pH, and nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), and calcium (Ca) concentrations from 6 gauged Fernow watersheds with different disturbance regimes for the last 30 years. Most disturbances are not sufficiently large in area or extent to have a detectable effect on stream chemistry (diameter-limit or selection harvesting, clearcutting, windstorms). Fertilization, acidic deposition at ambient levels, maintaining watersheds devoid of vegetation, and conversion to conifers significantly affected stream water chemistry. Implications for managing hardwood forests for sustainability are discussed.

Parent Publication

Citation

Adams, Mary Beth; Kochenderfer, James N. 2007. Long-term stream chemistry monitoring on the fernow experiment forest: implications for sustainable management of hardwood forests. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–101. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 97-106 [CD-ROM].
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/27768