Effects of clearfell logging and clearfell logging and burning of aNothofagusforest on soil nutrient dynamics in South Island, New Zealand — changes in forest floor organic matter and nutrient status

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Abstract
Effects of clearfell logging and clearfell logging and burning on forest floor biomass and nutrient status were investigated in a Nothofagus forest in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Field plots consisting of replications of different intensities of burning were used in the study. Fire consumed most of the non-humus floor components but little of the humus due to substantial amounts of moisture in the humus layer. During burning, mean litter surface temperatures reached 586°C. The burning intensity was considered light to moderate. The quantity of organic matter consumed by fire was about 21 000 kg/ha. Ash weights produced ranged from 3700 to 4400 kg/ha after taking into account the small sample size measured. Nutrient losses in the material consumed by fire were especially high for N (66%), P (35%), and S (51%) but were low for other nutrients studied (++, Mg++, and H2SO4-soiuble P were higher in logged sites. A large portion (80% to 90%) of K+, Ca++, and Mg++ released from the ash and decomposing litter in burned sites was retained on the cation exchange sites of humus.