Technical Bulletin No. 0628: Effects of Forest Management on Soil Carbon Storage

The literature on soil carbon change with forest harvesting, cultivation, site preparation, burning, fertilization, nitrogen fixation, and species change is reviewed. Contrary to what is commonly assumed in global carbon models and assessments, there is no general trend toward lower soil C with forest harvesting, unless it is followed by intense burning or cultivation. Most studies show no significant change (± 10%) with harvesting alone, and only a few studies show substantial large net losses or gains.