Effects of sawlog vs. whole-tree harvesting on the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium budgets of an upland mixed oak forest

Whole-tree harvesting increased the export of biomass N, P, K, and Ca by 2.6, 2.9, 3.1, 3.3, and 2.6 times, respectively, compared to sawlog harvesting in an upland mixed oak forest in eastern Tennessee. Whole-tree harvesting after leaf fall reduced the potential drains of N, P, K, and Ca by 7, 7, 23, and 5% respectively, compared with potential removal by harvesting during the growing season. Due to low soil Ca content and high Ca content in woody tissues, whole-tree harvesting depleted total ecosystem Ca to a much greater extent than N, P, or K. Soil reserves and atmospheric inputs may be adequate to sustain total N, P, and K supplies with whole-tree harvesting, but soil amendments may be necessary to sustain Ca supplies.