Clearcut harvesting and ectomycorrhizae: survival of activity on residual roots and influence on a bordering forest stand in western Montana

Abstract

Low numbers of active ectomycorrhizal roots persisted until July in forest stands [Douglas fir and larch] that had been clearcut the preceding Oct. Two years after clearcutting, active ectomycorrhizal roots supported by an adjacent, uncut stand were found only 1.5 m into a clearcut, broadcast burned area. Effects of the clearcut burn reduced ectomycorrhizal activity for at least 7.6 m into the adjacent uncut stand. Taking advantage of the residual ectomycorrhizal mycelium in fall clearcuts requires that outplanting must be accomplished before July of the following season. Active fungal mycelium from roots of an adjacent stand will be of limited help to the rapid establishment of ectomycorrhizae on tree regeneration in broadcast burned clearcuts.