Response of dissolved organic carbon following forest harvesting in a boreal forest.
To determine if forestry affects stream water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, we conducted high frequency water sampling at a clear-cut catchment experiment in northern Sweden 1 year after harvesting. The overall finding was that harvesting significantly increased stream water DOC in these boreal forest catchments, at least during the growing season. The results indicate a DOC concentration increase of up to 50% during early summer on the two harvested catchments relative to the two control catchments. The analysis supports the hypothesis that a raised groundwater level following harvesting caused the increased DOC concentration during both hydrological episodes and low flow conditions. Harvesting resulted in a 70% increase in DOC export due to the combined effect of runoff and DOC concentration during the June-October study period. Given the extent of forestry activity in the boreal landscape, these results demonstrate that tree harvesting will affect the water quality of the region.
Laudon
Hjalmar
H
Forest Ecology and Management, SLU, Umeå, Sweden. hjalmar.laudon@seksko.slu.se
Hedtjärn
Johannes
J
Schelker
Jakob
J
Bishop
Kevin
K
Sørensen
Rasmus
R
Agren
Anneli
A
D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D003081:Cold Climate; D016468:Forestry; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons; D013548:Sweden; D014872:Water Movements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002244:Carbon