Affect of Clear Cutting On Hydropedology.

Prior to residential development in rural forested areas trees are often clear cut in order to make site development more cost effective.  The effect of this removal on site hydrology has been documented both in terms of surface (runoff) and subsurface (water table) affects.  This study compares simulated pre- and post-harvest hydrology and morphology from a Goldsboro-Lynchburg-Rains catena in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina.  Hydrology was modeled using a calibrated DRAINMOD model on the same soil before and after clear cutting.  Soil morphology was also described pre and post harvest.  Changes in hydrology were noted with water tables rising post harvest.  There appeared to be no changes in soil morphology in the short time since clear cutting.