No abstract

Raettig, Terry L.; Connaughton, Kent P.; Ahrens, Glenn R. 1995. Hardwood supply in the Pacific Northwest: a policy perspective. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-478 Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 80 p.The policy framework for the hardwood resource and hardwood industry in western Oregon and Washington is examined. Harvesting trends, harvesting behavior of public and private landowners, and harvesting regulation are presented to complete the analysis of factors affecting short-run hardwood supply. In the short term, the supply of hardwoods is generally favorable, but in the long term, the supply is uncertain and cause for concern. Hardwoods need to be recognized in forest management in the Pacific Northwest.

Root and shoot biomass were measured across an 8 year chronosequence in mature and regenerating stands of tanoak ( Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd.), following cutting and burning in mature tanoak forests. Tanoak stump sprouts rapidly replaced leaf biomass but did not maintain preexisting root systems. Rather, root biomass declined for several years, with the largest proportional decline in extra-fine roots. Four years after harvest, live root biomasses in diameter classes 0.25–2.00 and 0.25–5.00 mm were 25% and 30% of values in mature tanoak forests, respectively. The proportion of dead roots was strongly correlated with maximum summer soil temperature. Root/shoot ratios recovered to preharvest values by age 3–4 years, at which time the live biomass of fine roots and leaf biomass was approximately 30%–40% of values in mature forest. From age 4 to 8 years, stable root/shoot ratios were associated with a three- to four-fold reduction in growth rate of leaf biomass and a proportional increase in growth of fine roots. These findings support the general theory of a functional root–shoot balance in tanoak and suggest a possible role for soil temperature in postharvest root dynamics. Improved understanding of postdisturbance root and shoot dynamics in tanoak will help identify competitive interactions and priorities for vegetation management decisions in establishment of conifers following harvest of mixed conifer–hardwood forests of southwestern Oregon and northern California.