Contribution to a discussion on the influence of coppicing on soil environment

Abstract

In 2011, soil properties and stand condition of four forest stands were evaluated at the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise (Czech Republic). The stands were managed on a long-term basis as an oak-hornbeam coppice undergoing conversion to high forest over the last 110 years approximately. The aim of the study was to compare the current condition of stands and soils with that of 1959. The stands were subjected to (a) an analysis of changes in the species composition during the conversion to high forest, and (b) a soil survey carried out using restored soil pits set up in 1959, as well as shallow pits. Our results indicate significant differences in the content of K2O and humus stability index according to Hock between 1959 and 2011. The differences in soil properties are caused rather by tree species composition and soil morphology then by forest management, which was concluded as a substantial result within the study. No major changes in soil properties were detected in relation to changes in management. No attributes of soil degradation have been identified.

Keywords

• high forest
• conversion
• soil conditions
• nutrient-rich soils