Pros and Cons of Silvicultural Scenarios relative to Water and Nutrient Resources

Forest nutrient cycle and water balance are investigated in most plots. Forest stand water balance is computed in all unfenced plots by measuring soil water content as a result of water inputs – rainfall, temporary water table and outputs – evapotranspiration. A sensor network (temperature, light, relative humidity, rainfall, soil water content, soil water table depth) is connected to a datalogger recording data every hour. Three pits per plot were dug at a random location and soil water content is measured at 20, 40 and 60 cm depth in each. Soil physic and chemical features, and root density, were also described when digging the pits. Finally, organic matter decomposition and nutrients turn over are also tracked. Tree growth and stand dynamic will be functionally related to these different measures.

Insertion of a volumetric soil water sensor (Campbell CS 616) at 20 cm depth

Microclimate measurement at a point

Organic matter decomposition and nutrients turn over by litter bags and leaf collectors.