Alternate Strip Clearcutting in Upland Black Spruce: VIII. Shallow-soil Ecosystems and Their Classification

Abstract

Shallow-soil sites in the Nipigon-Beardmore area of northern Ontario are widespread and pose unique operational problems for forest managers. Several working definitions of shallow soils are used in Ontario. More accurate regional definitions are required in order that silvicultural decisions for these sometimes fragile sites may be refined or new ones developed. Harvesting and silvicultural options for shallow-soil sites are limited in the North Central Region.A program of Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC) for the North Central Region has been designed to provide better understanding of shallow sites and a framework of standardized definitions. The FEC describes several shallow-soil types that occur over boulder pavement or bedrock, and differentiates mainly on the basis of depth-to-rock contact, surface organic material thickness and texture of the primary mineral soil particles. Operational application of this classification may require identification of complexes of shallow-soil types.