Vegetation and soil response to clearcutting and site preparation in East Texas

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) vegetation, (2) soil and (3) plant nutrient response to clearcutting and site preparation on a pine-hardwood forest site in East Texas. Clearcut in September, 1972, selected sites were burned, chopped, KG bladed, or left untreated in the winter of 1973-1974. Response was measured in: (1) forage yield and woody stem numbers by species; (2) soil chemical properties and bulk density; and (3) crude protein, calcium and phosphorus in four browse species. After clearcutting, herbage and browse yields and the number of herbaceous species increased greatly. All site treatments further increased herbage yields. Browse yield was much reduced by chopping and KG blading, while burning reduced it little. Burning had no adverse effect on soil chemical properties or bulk density, while chopping and KG significantly reduced organic matter; and KG increased bulk density. Browse plants, especially on burns, had the most crude protein and phosphorus in the spring. Calcium was low in the spring, but increased toward fall and winter. Deciduous plants had higher nutrient levels in the spring but declined later, while evergreens held constant levels throughout the year. Plant succession following clearcutting and site preparation was discussed in relation to wild life habitat values.