Effects of the sequence wildfire-harvesting-coppice sprout selection on nutrient export via streamfloe in a small E. globulus watershed in Galicia (NW Spain)

  • Cristina Fernández
  • José A. Vega
  • Salvador Bara
  • Margarita Alonso
  • Teresa Fonturbel
Keywords: forest fire, clearcutting, solute loss, atmospheric input.

Abstract

An experimental study was carried out between 1987 and 1999, to assess the effect of the sequence wildfire-clearfelling-coppice sprout selection thinning, on streamflow nutrient export in a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. watershed in Galicia (NW Spain). The effects of such a sequence on nutrient export via streamflow had not been previously evaluated. A wildfire in 1989 caused a significant increase in nutrient exports in streamflow during the following two years. No significant effect was observed the third year after wildfire. After clearfelling in 1992, inputs via precipitation compensated for nutrient exports in streamflow, except for K the first year following harvest and NO3- during the three years after this operation. Coppice sprout selection thinning in 1995 had less effect on nutrient exports than wildfire or harvest. The results presented here could may help in evaluating the effects of current intensive forest management and perturbations that affect eucalypt stands in NW Spain.

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Published
2011-07-09
How to Cite
Fernández, C., Vega, J. A., Bara, S., Alonso, M., & Fonturbel, T. (2011). Effects of the sequence wildfire-harvesting-coppice sprout selection on nutrient export via streamfloe in a small E. globulus watershed in Galicia (NW Spain). Forest Systems, 20(2), 218-227. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2011202-9673
Section
Research Articles

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