Effects of Vegetation Management With Prescribed Fire on Soil Physical Properties in a Young Longleaf Pine Stand
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The intensity and frequency of prescribed fire affects soil properties that control its quality. This project evaluates how six vegetation management treatments, four of which include biennial prescribed fire, affect the soil physical properties in two stands of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) located on the Kisatchie National Forest, Rapides Parish, LA. The A, Bt1, and Bt2 horizons were evaluated 1 year after the initial prescribed burn. Differences in soil properties between the two stands were apparent in all three horizons. The application of treatments that included the chemical control of woody competition resulted in higher bulk density and lower total porosity of the Bt1 horizon. As long-term biennial prescribed fire continues to remove litter and control woody competition, bulk density and total porosity may respond similarly.