Boreal long term soil productivity study

Maintaining the long term productivity of forest soils is essential for future forest growth. Organic matter losses and decreases in aeration porosity (soil compaction) are considered to be the fundamental factors contributing to observed declines in forest productivity. (Powers et. al., 1990) On a number of sites across North America, an international network of research trials is examining the relationships between organic matter removal and soil compaction and their effects on long term soil pro- ductivity. This network includes several aspen sites throughout Canada and the U.S., and three spruce and pine forest trials in British Columbia