Effects of Whole-Tree Harvest on Epilithic Algal Communities in Headwater Streams

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of whole tree harvest on the stream algal community within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire were studied by comparing harvested streams with reference streams and by experimental manipulations of light, acidity and nitrate levels. The most marked effect was a large increase in algal standing crop in the summer in the streams of the harvested area. Light plays a key role in this increase, but other factors such as pH, nutrients, and water flow are probably also important.