CANCELLED - The effects of selective logging on the soil biogeochemistry of a Bolivian Tropical Forest

Background/Question/Methods  Few studies have examined the biogeochemical consequences of selective logging in tropical ecosystems, specifically the effects of this disturbance on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Nevertheless, desired forest management practices must simultaneously sustain forest productivity as well as maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function, and understanding links between nutrient availability and tropical forest regeneration is key component to the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems. The present study examined the effects of selective logging on ecosystem properties in a tropical forest in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Long-term plots were harvested in 2001 with three differing management strategies applied and a control plot established in undisturbed forest. We asked how differing management strategies affected rates of litterfall and soil biogeochemical properties. Litter fall, litter depth, and soil samples were collected from four Control plots and four Intensively managed treatment plots.

Results/Conclusions  While litterfall rates were not significantly different between treatments, litter depth measurements were statistically significantly different between Control and Intensive plots. Preliminary analyses of soil physical and chemical properties were not significantly different between treatments. Small scale changes to light availability, soil moisture, and soil nutrient availability may be driving faster rates of litterfall turnover in the Intensively managed plots potentially explaining the differences in litter depth observed between treatments. Examining the long-term effects of selective logging activities on ecosystem biogeochemistry is important if they reduce the probability of tree regeneration because these management treatments are believed to enhance timber species survivability.