Silvicultural management within streamside management zones of intermittent streams: Effects on decomposition, productivity, nutrient cycling, and channel vegetation

Abstract

The purpose of this watershed study on three intermittent streams was to evaluate responses of riparian processes to three streamside management zone (SMZ) treatments; no harvest, clearcut, and partial harvest (50% basal area removal). Riparian response variables measured included litterfall, leaf litter decomposition, understory vegetation, soil temperature and water chemistry. However, due to drought conditions, insufficient water chemistry data were collected to support quantitative assessment of treatment effects. Comparisons of mass loss rates (k) indicated that decomposition on the control treatment was the most rapid. Understory vegetation surveys showed statistically greater mass of forbs and grasses within the clearcut SMZ. Results suggest that no harvest or a partial harvest within SMZs along intermittent streams are preferable because these treatments maintain carbon inputs to streams. Copyright © 2004 by the Society of American Foresters.