Removal Of Branches Research Articles

Manipulating resource allocation in plants

The distribution of nutrients and assimilates in different organs and tissues is in a constant state of flux throughout the growth and development of a plant. At key stages during the life cycle profound changes occur, and perhaps one of the most critical of these is during seed filling. By restricting the competition for reserves in Arabidopsis plants, the ability to manipulate seed size, seed weight, or seed content has been explored. Removal of secondary inflorescences and lateral branches resulted in a stimulation of elongation of the primary inflorescence and an increase in the distance between siliques. The pruning treatment also led to the development of longer and larger siliques that contained fewer, bigger seeds. This seems to be a consequence of a reduction in the number of ovules that develop and an increase in the fatty acid content of the seeds that mature. The data show that shoot architecture could have a substantial impact on the partitioning of reserves between vegetative and reproductive tissues and could be an important trait for selection in rapid phenotyping screens to optimize crop performance.

Single port laparoscopic nephrolithotomy in a double collecting system kidney: The first case reported in Thailand

The objective of this study is to report the first case in Thailand of a single port laparoscopic nephrolithotomy in a double collecting system of a right kidney. The operation was successfully done in a 49-year-old Thai female presented with a full staghorn kidney stone in the lower moiety of the duplex right kidney. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed first but the removal of the lower calyceal branch and the rest failed because the access tract was lost. Then the residual stones were successfully removed by single port laparoscopic nephrolithotomy. This study proves that single port laparoscopic nephrolithotomy is technically feasible without additional skin incisions.

Pancreatic β-cells depend on basal expression of active ATF6α-p50 for cell survival even under nonstress conditions

Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is one of three principle endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response proteins and becomes activated when ER homeostasis is perturbed. ATF6 functions to increase ER capacity by stimulating transcription of ER-resident chaperone genes such as GRP78. Using an antibody that recognizes active ATF6α-p50, we found that active ATF6α was detected in insulinoma cells and rodent islets even under basal conditions and the levels were further increased by ER stress. To examine the function of ATF6α-p50, we depleted endogenous ATF6α-p50 levels using small interfering RNA in insulinoma cells. Knockdown of endogenous ATF6α-p50 levels by ∼60% resulted in a reduction in the steady-state levels of GRP78 mRNA and protein levels in nonstressed cells. Furthermore, ATF6α knockdown resulted in an apoptotic phenotype. We hypothesized that removal of the ATF6α branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) would result in ER stress. However, neither the PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), nor the inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) pathways of the UPR were significantly activated in ATF6α knockdown cells, although these cells were more sensitive to ER stress-inducing compounds. Interestingly, phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and c-Jun were elevated in ATF6α knockdown cells and inhibition of JNK or p38 kinases prevented apoptosis. These results suggest that ATF6α may have a role in maintaining β-cell survival even in the absence of ER stress.

Growth of pruned eucalypt clone in an agroforestry system in southeastern Brazil

This study aimed to identify pruning intensity and frequency that can be applied to eucalypt without imposing growth reduction, in an agroforestry system in Brazil (17°36’ S and 46°42’ W). Pruning treatments included removal of 0, 1/4 and 1/3 of the live crown height (LCH) with or without the removal of some thick branches above this height (TBA), in three or four lifts, which started at 9 months. There was no effect of pruning on tree height. Diameter (dbh) and volume per tree decreased (P ≤ 0.05) only with the removal of 1/3 of the LCH + TBA, of all trees of the stand, in three lifts, up to 36 months. The Weibull diameter distribution curves showed a higher proportion of trees in the greatest diameter classes with the removal of 1/4 or 1/3 of the LCH + TBA of selected trees, in four lifts, at the age of 36 months. The time required for applying pruning to a height of 6 m did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). Pruning up to 1/3 of the LCH + TBA of selected trees, in 4 lifts (6-month intervals) is recommended because there was a higher proportion of trees in the greatest diameter classes and the dbh at the time of the last pruning was smaller than for the other treatments, which implies in reduced knotty core. The production of trees with larger diameter and reduced knotty core may increase farmers’ income and reduce the pressure on native forests.

Cervical Root Branches Preservation in Head and Neck Surgery

Objective: 1) Evaluate the hypothesis that the preservation of cervical root branches will be associated with better quality of life (QoL), greater shoulder motility, and lower loss of sensation in the neck after functional neck dissection sparing spinal accessory nerve. 2) Investigate the impact of physiotherapy. Method: This retrospective study evaluated 41 patients surgically treated for head and neck cancer between 2006 and 2009 at our department. Patients were divided in 2 groups, according to the preservation or removal of cervical root branches during functional neck dissection. QoL, shoulder motility, and neck sensation were evaluated. Results: The analysis of the University of Washington-Quality of Life questionnaire, fourth version, demonstrated lower pain, less shoulder complaints, and less limitations to activities and recreation in patients who hadn’t undergone removal of cervical root branches ( P 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the preservation of cervical root branches improved QoL and shoulder motility in patients who underwent functional neck dissection. Physiotherapy had a positive impact on the analyzed outcomes.

Multiple Forms of Activity-Dependent Competition Refine Hippocampal Circuits In Vivo

Efficient memory formation relies on the establishment of functional hippocampal circuits. It has been proposed that synaptic connections are refined by neural activity to form functional brain circuitry. However, it is not known whether and how hippocampal connections are refined by neural activity in vivo. Using a mouse genetic system in which restricted populations of neurons in the hippocampal circuit are inactivated, we show that inactive axons are eliminated after they develop through a competition with active axons. Remarkably, in the dentate gyrus, which undergoes neurogenesis throughout life, axon refinement is achieved by a competition between mature and young neurons. These results demonstrate that activity-dependent competition plays multiple roles in the establishment of functional memory circuits in vivo.

Response of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to Fruiting Branch Removal

Cotton response to fruiting branch removal (FBR) is critical information in estimating plant recovery potential and making management decisions after hail storms or other physical damages. Fruiting branches were removed at first bloom (R8), 2.5-cm boll (R12) and peak bloom (R16) growth stages. Five FBR treatments were conducted at each of the above three growth stages: 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %. At harvest, five plants were randomly chosen from each plot and branches separated into three groups: vegetative, lower and upper fruiting branches. Lower fruiting branches were from the nodes where FBR treatments were conducted, whereas upper fruiting branches were the new branches developed after FBR. Seed cotton weight, open boll number and node number in each group were recorded. Fruiting branch removal increased boll number, boll size and boll/node on the upper fruiting branches, which compensated yield loss on lower fruiting branches. Generally, FBR at the first bloom reduced cotton yield more than it did at the 2.5-cm boll and peak bloom growth stages when FBR percentage was lower than 75 %. The removal of all 16 fruiting branches at peak bloom reduced cotton yield by 16.8 %, indicating remarkable compensation ability by cotton plants in climates with a long growing season.

Does postfire management affect the recovery of Mediterranean communities? The case study of terrestrial gastropods

In fire-prone regions, understanding the response of species to fire is a major goal in order to predict the effects on biodiversity. Furthermore, postfire management can also model this response through the manipulation of environmental characteristics of the burnt habitat. We have examined the taxonomic and functional response to fire and postfire management of a Mediterranean snail community affected by a summer fire in 2003. After the fire, the area was logged, leaving wood debris on the ground, and three alternative practices were implemented in several plots within the burnt area: subsoiling, removal of trunks having branches, total removal of trunks and branches, as well as one area not logged. Our results indicated that fire exerted a major impact on the snail community, strongly reducing diversity and species richness, particularly for forest species living in the humus and having European distribution ranges. By contrast, we found slight differences within the postfire practices, presumably because of the strong initial impact of fire and subsequent xerophilous postfire conditions. However, the area with only trunk removal showed a positive response of generalist snail species, probably due to moist microhabitats provided by the accumulation of wood debris on the ground. The effects of postfire management should be further explored due to the expected increase of fire risk associated with climate change and land-use histories.

Whiteflies of the Mediterranean chaparral: A case of mutual manipulation

The life cycles of two plant species in the Mediterranean chaparral, the evergreen Arbutus andrachne and the deciduous Rhamnus lycioides, were studied, as were the cycles of two stenophagous whitefly species that live on them, Trialeurodes lauri and Dialeurolobus rhamni, respectively. Trialeurodes lauri is univoltine, diapausing from June to March corresponding to the plant's leaf dormancy. The diapause is related to the plant's leaf dormancy, and removal of branches infested with diapausing whiteflies between July and February causes a break in the diapause. Dialeurolobus rhamni has two generations a year. Eggs are laid in March with adults resulting in May and June. These lay again and their immatures overwinter till the next spring. By examining the leaves on the plants and those shed to the ground, it was shown that the overwintering mode of D. rhamni on the deciduous R. lycioides is mainly achieved by remaining on non-shed leaves until the next springtime. This is enabled through the delay of leaf sh...

Outbreak of an invasive paropsine beetle in south-west Ireland: preference, performance and damage to Eucalyptus

An exotic, paropsine beetle ‐ Paropsisterna nr. gloriosa Blackburn ‐ occurred at high densities in south-west Ireland in 2007. In bioassays, adults and larvae fed on foliage from a variety of eucalypt species. Eggs and neonates occurred only in association with new foliage. Despite their ability to consume old foliage, adult beetles had a high preference for new leaves with low specific leaf weights (softer leaves). In choice tests, adults that depleted new foliage of their preferred host, moved to new foliage of a second host but not older foliage of the preferred host. A 2008 survey of southern Ireland indicated that P. nr. gloriosa was restricted to County Kerry, largely associated with foliage plantations in that county. The distribution of damage suggests that the initial spread of the beetle was facilitated by foliage-trade activities. Eucalyptus parvula L.A.S. Johnson & K.D. Hill was the most heavily damaged species at many plantations. Eucalyptus pulverulenta Sims and Eucalyptus cordata Labill. were highly resistant to the beetle as indicated by low levels of damage in the field and reduced fitness of larvae in feeding trials. Nevertheless, at the plantation with the highest overall levels of damage, adult beetles moved to feed on E. pulverulenta. A progressive dispersal from plantations also caused slight damage to neighbouring ornamental eucalypts. Clear preferences by P. nr. gloriosa for new foliage, irrespective of eucalypt species, suggests that pollarding ‐ the removal of top branches to produce dense juvenile foliage ‐ accelerated population build-up during 2007.

Indirect carbon dioxide emissions from producing bioenergy from forest harvest residues

Forest harvest residues are important raw materials for bioenergy in regions practicing forestry. Removing these residues from a harvest site reduces the carbon stock of the forest compared with conventional stem-only harvest because less litter in left on the site. The indirect carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emission from producing bioenergy occur when carbon in the logging residues is emitted into the atmosphere at once through combustion, instead of being released little by little as a result of decomposition at the harvest sites. In this study (1) we introduce an approach to calculate this indirect emission from using logging residues for bioenergy production, and (2) estimate this emission at a typical target of harvest residue removal, i.e. boreal Norway spruce forest in Finland. The removal of stumps caused a larger indirect emission per unit of energy produced than the removal of branches because of a lower decomposition rate of the stumps. The indirect emission per unit of energy produced decreased with time since starting to collect the harvest residues as a result of decomposition at older harvest sites. During the 100 years of conducting this practice, the indirect emission from average-sized branches (diameter 2 cm) decreased from 340 to 70 kg CO 2 eq. MWh ―1 and that from stumps (diameter 26 cm) from 340 to 160 kg CO 2 eq. MWh ―1 . These emissions are an order of magnitude larger than the other emissions (collecting, transporting, etc.) from the bioenergy production chain. When the bioenergy production was started, the total emissions were comparable to fossil fuels. The practice had to be carried out for 22 (stumps) or four (branches) years until the total emissions dropped below the emissions of natural gas. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for land-use-related indirect emissions to correctly estimate the efficiency of bioenergy in reducing CO 2 emission into the atmosphere.

Effect of wildfires and post-fire forest treatments on rabbit abundance

One of the main factors involved in the decline in the European wild rabbit in the Iberian Peninsula is the loss of suitable habitats caused by abandonment of agricultural and grazing activities. Nowadays, Mediterranean landscapes suffer from wildfires that affect extensive areas and produce considerable habitat changes. However, little is known about the influence of wildfires and post-fire treatments on rabbit abundance to address policies to recover their populations. To do so, we studied abundances of this species in four types of plots during three consecutive years after a wildfire in Catalonia (NE Spain): (A) unburnt forests, (B) burnt forests with removal of burnt trees but with branches left, (C) burnt forests with removal of burnt trees and branches, and (D) non-forested burnt plots. Rabbits progressively colonised burnt plots, where their abundance increased for at least 5 years after the fire, but decreased or even disappeared in unburnt ones, indicating that forest fires have a positive effect on rabbit populations. Although abundances did not differ between the three burnt plot types, plots with removal of burnt branches had the highest increase in abundance. In addition, soil covered by branches or by dense vegetation appeared negatively correlated with abundance, indicating that this could hinder rabbit movements, while some plant species could benefit rabbits by providing high quality food. Thus, post-fire treatments favourable to rabbit populations might therefore be a good way of increasing the conservation and economic value of areas affected by forest fires.

Localizing Starch Reserves in Mandevilla sanderi (Hemsl.) Woodson Using a Combined Histochemical and Biochemical Approach

Mandevilla sanderi is a plant of tropical origin of great horticultural interest because of its abundant flowering and its persistent foliage. Vegetative propagation requires the removal of leafy branches on the mother plant to produce cuttings. This loss of biomass must be compensated for by the growth of new branches thanks to the mobilization of reserves within the plant. Lack of knowledge about the physiology of this species therefore makes it necessary to characterize its different organs both at the level of their anatomic organization as well as at the level of their ability to store starch. After histological characterization of the different organs (leaves, stems, and roots), starch reserves were localized by histochemical analysis and quantified by biochemical analysis. Starch grains are mainly found in the parenchymatous cortex, the parenchymatous pith and xylem parenchyma cells, in tuberous roots and stems, and in the palisade and spongy mesophyll of leaves. In 22-week-old plants, the greatest quantity of starch is found in the leaves, whereas the tuberous roots have the highest concentration. The histological description of the different organs of Mandevilla sanderi and the localization of starch reserves allow us to assess the potential role of the different organs in plant growth and development. In the particular case of mother plant management, it is hoped that this knowledge will make it possible to optimize conditions for removing leafy branches.

Fruiting-branch removal enhances endotoxin expression and lint yield in Bt cotton

A two-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of removal of early-fruiting branches (REFB) on yield, quality, and endotoxin expression in transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Two early-fruiting branches of field-grown cotton plants were removed and retained at squaring to form the REFB and the control treatments, respectively. Lint yield, yield components, fibre quality, and Cry1Ac protein concentration in the first fully expanded young leaves on the main stem were measured. Results show that lint yields were increased by 5.1 and 5.5% with REFB compared with control in 2004 and 2005, respectively. There was no difference in fibre quality in the first two harvests between REFB and control, but fibre strength and micronarie in the third harvest were improved with REFB. Levels of total N, soluble protein, and Cry1Ac protein as well as glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity in leaves were higher in REFB than in the control. Laboratory bioassay showed significant enhancement of the control efficacy by REFB in terms of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) neonate mortality for both years. It is suggested that REFB might be a potential practice for enhancing transgenic Bt cotton production.

Effects of early-fruit removal on endogenous cytokinins and abscisic acid in relation to leaf senescence in cotton

Numerous studies have shown that early-fruit removal enhances vegetative growth and development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). However, few studies have examined changes in leaf senescence and endogenous hormones due to fruit removal. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between some endogenous phytohormones, particularly the cytokinins and abscisic acid (ABA), and leaf senescence following fruit removal. Cotton was grown in pots and in the field during 2005 and 2006. Two early-fruiting branches were excised from plants at squaring to form the fruit removal treatment while the non-excised plants served as control. Plant biomass, seed cotton yield, cytokinins and ABA levels in main-stem leaves and xylem sap as well as main-stem leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) and chlorophyll (Chl) concentration were determined after removal or at harvest. Fruit removals increased the leaf area, root and shoot dry weight and plant biomass at 35 days after removal (DAR), whether in potted or field-grown cotton; under field conditions, it also improved plant biomass and seed cotton yield at harvest. The Pn and Chl concentration in excised plants were significantly higher than in control plants from 5 to 35 DAR, suggesting that fruit removal considerably delayed leaf senescence. Fruit-excised plants contained more trans-zeatin and its riboside (t-Z + t-ZR), dihydrozeatin and its riboside (DHZ + DHZR), and isopentenyladenine and its riboside (iP + iPA) but less ABA in both main-stem leaves and xylem sap than control plants from 5 to 35 DAR. These results suggest that removal of early fruiting branches delays main-stem leaf senescence, which can be attributed to increased cytokinin and/or reduced ABA. Cytokinin and ABA are involved in leaf senescence following early fruit removal.

The Value of Dual-Energy Bone Removal in Maximum Intensity Projections of Lower Extremity Computed Tomography Angiography

Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) makes it possible to remove bones and intraluminal plaques from angiography datasets on the basis of spectral differentiation separating iodine from calcium. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of this technique by comparing maximum intensity projections (MIP) created with different bone removal techniques: (a) dual-energy bone removal (DEBR); (b) purely software-based bone removal without manual corrections (SBBR - MC); and (c) manually corrected software-based bone removal (SBBR + MC). A further aim was to evaluate the dual-energy-based plaque removal tool. Fifty-one patients underwent dual-energy CT angiography of the lower-extremity arteries on a dual-source CT scanner. CT parameters were tube potentials, 140 and 80 kVp; exposure, 80 and 340 mAs/rot; and collimation, 14 x 1.2 mm. Bolus tracking was used in the descending aorta for timing (Ultravist 370). Bones were removed from the datasets using the 3 techniques and MIP datasets were generated. Two experienced radiologists assessed image quality ((1) correct removal of bones and preservation of vessels without artificial truncation, stenoses or occlusions of arteries; (2) minor errors with residual bone in the dataset or removal of side branches; (3) significant errors impeding diagnostic evaluation), number of vessel segmentation errors, and number of nonremoved bones. Additionally, time for MIP-generation was measured. The plaque removal tool was applied to DEBR MIPs and the outcome was rated as positive, neutral, or negative. DEBR showed better image quality than SBBR (P < 0.05; median image quality DEBR: 1; SBBR - MC: 3; SBBR + MC: 2). Less vessel segmentation errors occurred in DEBR (P < 0.05; median DEBR: 0; SBBR - MC: 5; SBBR + MC: 1). The number of nonremoved bones was not significantly different between DEBR and SBBR + MC, but significantly higher in SBBR - MC (median DEBR: 1; SBBR - MC: 2; SBBR + MC: 0). Time for generation of MIPs was lowest for SBBR - MC (P < 0.05), but also DEBR was significantly faster than manually corrected SBBR (DEBR: 160 +/- 16 seconds; SBBR - MC: 95 +/- 12 seconds; SBBR + MC: 373 +/- 69 seconds). The plaque removal tool lead to an improvement of image quality of the MIPs and a better depiction of the residual lumen in 43%. DEBR provides significant advantages, even over manually corrected SBBR. As it works completely automatically, it can effectively help to cope with the data load of CT angiography exams. Furthermore, it enables the removal of intraluminal plaques, which provides a benefit for the estimation of the residual lumen.

Changes in total carbon and nutrients in soil profiles and accumulation in biomass after a 30-year rotation of Pinus radiata on podzolized sands: Impacts of intensive harvesting on soil resources

A large proportion of plantations of radiata pine ( Pinus radiata D. Don) in southern Australia have been established on podzolized coastal sands with low nutrient reserves. Inter-rotational management of the forest floor and harvesting residues has been shown to be critical to maintain the productive capacity of these soils. In 1974 a study was initiated at the end of the first rotation to evaluate the long-term sustainability of fast-growing plantations on these podzolized sands. Growth was measured at 5, 10 and 20 years and prior to clear-felling at age 30. Soil sampling at the end of the first rotation in 1974 was repeated in 2004 prior to clear-felling to determine changes in carbon and nutrients in profiles after 30 years. Forest floor and tree biomass were measured to determine sequestration of carbon and nutrients in mature radiata pine. Productivity of radiata pine on infertile podzolized sands was either maintained at 26 m 3 ha −1 year −1 or improved from 21 to 27 m 3 ha −1 year −1 over two rotations from 1946 to 2005 and this was attributed to conservation of organic matter and nutrients through retention of litter and harvesting residues after the first rotation. Total carbon (23.4 Mg ha −1) and N (595 kg ha −1) remaining in residues and litter after harvesting compensated for losses of carbon (9.2 Mg ha −1) and N (582 kg ha −1) in soil (0–75 cm) over the rotation. Total S, P, K, Ca and Mg remaining on site after conventional harvesting (stem wood and bark) increased during the second rotation (1975–2005). Accumulation of nutrients in the above-ground biomass and soil over 30 years exceeded deposition in rainfall indicating a redistribution of S, P, K, Ca and Mg from the sub-soil to tree biomass. The net accumulation of N in biomass (201 kg ha −1) also exceeded atmospheric deposition indicating significant inputs from nitrogen fixation during the rotation. Intensive harvesting including removal of log residues and branches for biofuels but leaving foliage on site increased nutrient exports by approximately 30% but did not exceed accession of nutrients over 30 years except for N. In contrast, whole-tree harvesting including foliage increased nutrient exports by 70–150% and fertilizers are likely to be required to compensate for the additional removal of nutrients and to maintain site productivity in the next rotation.

The possible roles of nutrient deprivation and auxin repression in apical control

Apical control is the suppression of growth in lower branches by a higher dominant branch or leader shoot. We investigated possible mechanisms involved in this developmental response in three widely diverse species (Japanese morning glory, Ipomoea nil, hybrid poplar, Populus trichocarpa, × P. deltoides, and Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii). The following two hypotheses were tested: (1) the mineral nutrient-deprivation hypothesis, which is that the continued growth of the lower branches is repressed by the diversion of nutrients to the upper dominating branch or shoot, and (2) the auxin-repression hypothesis, which is that auxin produced in the upper dominating branch or shoot moves down to the lower branches where continued growth is repressed. The results of experiments involving the manipulation of available nutrients by dominant branch removal and fertilization were consistent with the first hypothesis for morning glory, poplar, and for second- or third flushing of lateral branches in Douglas-fir. The results of the experiments involving auxin (NAA, 1-naphthalene acetic acid) replacement treatments on decapitated shoots bearing growing lateral branches were inconsistent with the second hypothesis in morning glory, poplar and in first-flushing Douglas-fir. However, despite concerns about possible NAA toxic effects, there was evidence of auxin repression of second flushing in Douglas-fir. Overall, the data supported a significant role for nutrient availability but not for auxin repression in apical control of morning glory and poplar. In Douglas-fir, apical control in first-flushing lateral branches from over-wintered buds was largely insensitive to both nutrient availability and auxin repression; however, second flushing was sensitive to both.

Lysosomal Activity Associated with Developmental Axon Pruning

Clearance of cellular debris is a critical feature of the developing nervous system, as evidenced by the severe neurological consequences of lysosomal storage diseases in children. An important developmental process, which generates considerable cellular debris, is synapse elimination, in which many axonal branches are pruned. The fate of these pruned branches is not known. Here, we investigate the role of lysosomal activity in neurons and glia in the removal of axon branches during early postnatal life. Using a probe for lysosomal activity, we observed robust staining associated with retreating motor axons. Lysosomal function was involved in axon removal because retreating axons were cleared more slowly in a mouse model of a lysosomal storage disease. In addition, we found lysosomal activity in the cerebellum at the time of, and at sites where, climbing fibers are eliminated. We propose that lysosomal activity is a central feature of synapse elimination. Moreover, staining for lysosomal activity may serve as a marker for regions of the developing nervous system undergoing axon pruning.

Effect of removal of logging residue on nutrient leaching and nutrient pools in the soil after clearcutting in a Norway spruce stand

Following clearcutting applying the conventional stem-only harvesting method in a Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand and different levels of removal of logging residue, the nutrient fluxes from the heaps of logging residue and from the O horizon were monitored over four growing seasons and the soil nutrient pools were determined. Three levels of removal of logging residue were carried out using (i) conventional stem-only harvesting (no residues removed); (ii) residues removed; and (iii) removal of branches (foliage left on site). The heaps of logging residue were a minor source of inorganic N entering the soil in the water percolating through the heaps, but they were a significant source of organic N, P, Ca, Mg, and especially K. Nutrient fluxes from the O horizon were in general greater under the heaps of logging residue as compared to soils without overlying logging residue. The leaching of inorganic N from the O horizon under the heaps of logging residue resulted in a net loss of these compounds, while the O horizon without overlying logging residue gained N. The removal of logging residue significantly decreased the extractable K pools in the soil while it or conversely, the presence of residue heaps had no significant effect on the pools of organic matter and the pools of N, P, Ca, and Mg in the O horizon and in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The results show that the short-term effects of logging residue on nutrient dynamics in the soil can be complex and difficult to interpret in terms of site productivity as there are changes in the nutrient fluxes, which imply the opposite effects on site productivity. However, the results do indicate that, in the short-term, the removal of logging residue does not impair pools of N in the soil nor site productivity on sites where the availability of N limits productivity.