Advances in nutrient and water management in forestry: monitoring, maintaining, and restoring soil health

Publication date: 25/11/2019
Extent: 34 pages

Contributions by: Daniel G. Neary, USDA Forest Service, USA

Chapter synopsis: A number of important advances in nutrient and water management in forestry have been made since the middle of the 20th Century to maintain and improve soil health. Many concerns have been expressed about the sustainability of forestry operations with intensification of management and harvesting disturbances and the occurrence of natural disturbances. The most important of these advances is implementation of the concept of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The use of BMPs involves a continuous cycle of design, analysis, planning, implementation, review, monitoring, and modification. The core of the BMP concept is the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ). The focus of the SMZ is on forestry management activities on lands adjacent to streams and waterways, and how these activities can be conducted to maintain water quality and site productivity. Other advances include soil testing and monitoring to ensure maintenance of physical properties, water status, and nutrient conditions that are the foundations of site productivity.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0057.16