Sediment Production in Forests of the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Interior Highlands

A primary environmental concern related to forestry in the South is the effects of forests and forestry practices on sediment production. Sediment is the most significant pollutant of southern waters. A liability in itself, sediment also accounts for most nutrients removed by water. This paper discusses sediment production from small catchments of undisturbed forests in the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Interior Highlands and presents findings on the magnitude and duration of changes associated with silviculta however, even on undisturbed small catchments, much of the sediment may be contributed by channels. This paper concludes by identifying several research needs that must be addressed to better understand sediment production in southern forests.