Soil redox potential in small pondcypress swamps after harvesting

Abstract

Soil environmental conditions were investigated in nine stillwater swamps dominated by pondcypress ( Taxodium distichum var. nutans) in north central Florida. Three swamps were left unharvested (control); three were harvested, but surrounding slash pine plantations were left intact (swamp harvest); and three were harvested along with the surrounding slash pine plantations (swamp+upland harvest). Measurements of soil redox potential ( E h) and other soil and water properties were collected for 5 months before harvesting (December 1993–April 1994) and for 2 years after harvesting (May 1994–May 1996). No significant differences in water level resulted from harvesting, although control swamps became dry and harvested swamps remained flooded shortly after harvesting. E h in the swamp+upland harvest treatment was lower than in the control treatment for only 1 month (July 1994) after logging but was also lower in areas where the soil was compacted by skidder equipment. Short-term increase in water level and soil compaction by skidder trafficking appear to have minimal long-term effects on soil environmental conditions.