Carbon dynamics following clear-cutting of a northern hardwood forest

This contribution represents a synthesis and extension of many individual investigations of the dynamics of C in various ecosystem pools during the first 10 yr (1983-1992) of the Watershed five study. Original research hypotheses regarding C dynamics were that whole-tree harvesting would result in: (i) decreased soil C pools, (ii) a large net loss of C from the forest floor (O horizon), (iii) decreased export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in stream waters due to coagulation with dissolved Al, (iv) increased respiratory losses of soil C, and (v) rapid recovery of C assimilation by plants. Suggests that extensive clear-cutting may result in prolonged elevated DOC concentrations. This may be problematic because: (i) elevated DOC concentrations may be accompanied by increased trace metal concentrations, (ii) DOC causes taste and odor problems in drinking water, and (iii) chlorination during water treatment results in the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes. -Authors