Title:

Effect of management activities on forest soil properties in the Rocky Mountains: IV. Soil chemistry data

Author(s):

Jain, Theresa B.; Sikkink, Pamela G.; Graham, Russell T.

Publication Year:

2021

How to Cite:

These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:

Jain, Theresa B.; Sikkink, Pamela G.; Graham, Russell T. 2021. Effect of management activities on forest soil properties in the Rocky Mountains: IV. Soil chemistry data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0065

Abstract:

This data publication contains chemical results from soil samples collected in a study that was designed to determine how mechanical site preparation and prescribed fire treatments affected the understory vegetation, conifer establishment and growth, and soil physical and chemical properties of each forest. These data were collected in summer months over a five-year period (1989-1993) from 11 national forests located in Montana, Idaho, and Arizona. The treatments (listed by treatment code) applied to the sites included the following: 1 = bole removed followed by broadcast burn, 2 = bole removed followed by dozer or grapple pile, 3 = control (undispersed), 4 = whole tree removal (only in 1990 Helena/Deerlodge Forest), and 9 = burned only. Not every treatment was used in each forest.

The data in this package focus on results of the chemical analysis of soil cores at each site. Every forest is different when it comes to soil types and nutrient contents in soil. Nutrient levels in the soil also vary from year to year; and treatments of burning, or removal of downed woody debris by mechanical means, can have a significant effect on the resulting soil chemistry and soil properties.

Chemical analyses provide an index of nutrient availability or nutrient supply in a given soil at a given time; and the soil extract is designed to evaluate a portion of the nutrients from the same "pool" used by the plant. Chemical analysis can be used to predict the probability of obtaining a profitable response to fertilizer application or to the addition of extra nutrients. Chemical testing also allows managers to know which nutrients and chemicals are in sufficient supply for tree growth and restoration and which elements have been depleted because of disturbance or management activities. A proper soil test can help ensure the application of enough fertilizer to meet the requirements of growing trees while taking advantage of the nutrients already present in the soil. It is important for managers to follow certain recommended steps for soil sampling and testing to develop a fertility management program.

In this study, chemical analyses were employed to determine the fertility of soils in the 11 national forests in Idaho, western Montana, and Arizona. These soils had all undergone different treatments to reduce biomass (see list above) and were subjected to major disturbance during the process. Samples were collected and analyzed for the proportion of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen remaining in the soil. They were also tested for the proportion of cations, including magnesium (Mg cmol+/Kg), calcium, and potassium. Data within this data publication include stand number, plot type, composite number (from combining like locations), and the soil horizon from which the sample was taken, in addition to the chemical results.

Keywords:

geoscientificInformation; Ecology, Ecosystems, & Environment; Soil; fuels management; soil chemistry; soil horizons; ash; mineral; organic matter; soil nutrients; Arizona; Idaho; Montana; Boise National Forest; Helena/Deerlodge National Forest; Lolo National Forest; Nez Perce National Forest; Payette National Forest; Salmon National Forest; Targhee National Forest

Related publications:

• Graham, Russell T.; Harvey, Alan E.; Jurgensen, Martin F.; Jain, Theresa B.; Tonn, Jonalea R.; Page-Dumroese, Deborah S. 1994. Managing coarse woody debris in forests of the Rocky Mountains. Research Paper. INT-RP-477. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 12 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/INT-RP-477
• Jain, Theresa B.; Sikkink, Pamela G.; Graham, Russell T. 2021. Effect of management activities on forest soil properties in the Rocky Mountains: I. Understory vegetation. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0062
• Jain, Theresa B.; Sikkink, Pamela G.; Graham, Russell T. 2021. Effect of management activities on forest soil properties in the Rocky Mountains: II. Tree, stump, and downed woody debris data. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2021-0063
• More (6 total)

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