From the NAIT Boreal Research Institute:
Dr. David McNabb, from the NAIT Boreal Research Institute in Peace River, shows us how important it is to till soil in forest that has been compacted after industrial use.
The majority of the roots of forests are found near the surface (80% or more are generally found within the top 20 cm of the soil). The trafficking of forest soils by most industrial equipment generally causes a complex combination of an increase in soil density and destruction of soil structure.
The impairment includes reduced ability of the soil to store water for plants and to rewet in summer, which can create drought in plants.
This change in hydrologic function have the greatest impact on perennial forest species because of the impacts that changing soil aeration and water supply can have on their ability to maintain their perennial root systems.
For more information contact Jean-Marie Sobze at: 780-618-2624 or jeanmars@nait.ca
