HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) An erratum has been published An erratum has been published Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sopper, W. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Sopper, W. E. Agricola Articles by Sopper, W. E.

Effects of Timber Harvesting and Related Management Practices on Water Quality in Forested Watersheds¹

ABSTRACT

Undisturbed forested watersheds are generally recognized as a primary source of high-quality water. The physical and chemical nature of these waters fluctuate constantly in response to natural stresses but are most influenced by man's activities. Three major forest land management activities—timber harvesting, fertilization, and herbiciding—which may have an adverse affect on water quality are reviewed. In general, research results indicate that nutrient losses, particularly nitrogen, following forest clearcutting are small to negligible. Similarly, forest fertilization studies indicate that nitrogen concentrations in streams are not drastically increased. Large areal applications of selected herbicides in the West have demonstrated that, if carefully applied, they can be used without impairment of water quality.

Key Words: nutrient loss • clearcutting • nitrogen cycling • fertilization • herbicides • streamflow • water temperature

¹ Contribution from the School of Forest Resour., Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park 16802.

² Professor of Forest Hydrology.

Received for publication February 8, 1974.