Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this watershed study on three intermittent streams was to evaluate responses ofriparian processes to three streamside management zone (SMZ) treatments; no harvest, clearcut, and partial harvest(50% basal area removal). Riparian response variables measured included litterfall, leaf litter decomposition, understory vegetation, soil temperature and water chemistry. However, due to drought conditions, insufficient water chemistry data were collected to support quantitative assessment of treatment effects. Comparisons of mass loss rates (k) indicated that decomposition on the control treatment was the most rapid. Understory vegetation surveys showed statistically greater mass of forbs and grasses within the clearcut SMZ. Results suggest that no harvest or a partial harvest within SMZs along intermittent streams are preferable because these treatments maintain carbon inputs to streams. South. J. Appl. For. 28(4): 211–224.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
