Soil Nutrient Dynamics Across a Site Quality Gradient.

Harvest intensity along with inherent low available soil nutrients are contributing to growth deficiencies in Gulf Coastal Plain loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). A better understanding of how the interaction between site quality, forest management practices, and nutrient cycling would affect soil nutrient supply and plant demand may help to improve soil quality and forest productivity.  The goal of this research is to determine if soil nutrient dynamics are affected by site quality and harvest intensity without the confounding effects of climate, soil physical disturbances, and competing vegetation in mid-rotation loblolly pine stands.