Partial cut harvesting and ectomycorrhizae: early effects in Douglas-fir-larch forests of western Montana

Abstract

Numbers of ectomycorrhizae were assessed 3 yr after harvesting approximately 50% of the overstory in 2 Douglas-fir-larch stands in western Montana, one was subjected to intensive residue removal, the other broadcast burned 1 yr after harvest. Numbers of active ectomycorrhizal root tips were significantly reduced in the broadcast burned stand compared to either the intensively utilized stand or to an adjacent, undisturbed stand. Apparently on difficult-to-regenerate sites, particularly where soil organic matter is low, it may be advantageous to dispose of slash created in partial cuts by means other than burning.