A study was established in June 2001 as part of the Kangasvaaraja catchment study (Finer et al. 1997) in eastern Finland to determine effects of timber harvesting an old-growth mixed Norway spruce (Picea abies)/Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stand on organic matter decomposition. Three plots (5m x 5m) were established around soil moisture and soil temperature data collectors in the clearcut/scarified treatment area. Three additional plots were located around soil moisture and temperature data collectors in the adjacent uncut, mature stand.

Mineral soil - seventy-five wood stakes of loblolly pine, aspen, and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) were installed in the mineral soil at each plot on the clearcut/ scarified area: 25 stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 20 cm) in the scarified furrows (mineral soil exposed), 25 stakes in mineral soil beneath organic mounds created by the furrows, and 25 stakes between the furrows (undisturbed litter layer). A total of 675 stakes (25 stakes x 3 species x 3 scarification treatments x 3 replicates) were used . In addition, 225 stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 20 cm) were placed in the uncut forest (25 stakes x 3 species x 3 replicates). Soil moisture, temperature, and CO₂/O₂ levels are being measured in the E horizon (5 cm depth) and in the top of the B horizon (15 cm depth) in each treatment.

Litter layer (forest floor) - seventy-five wood stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 15 cm) of each tree species were be installed at the litter layer/mineral soil interface - 25 stakes in organic mounds created by the furrows, 25 stakes between the furrows (undisturbed litter layer), and 25 stakes on the mineral soil surface of the furrow trench. In addition, 25 stakes were placed on the surface of undisturbed litter layer between the furrows. A total of 900 stakes (25 stakes x 3 species x 4 litter layer locations x 3 replicates) were used. In addition, 450 stakes were installed in the litter layer of the uncut forest (25 stakes x 3 species x 2 litter layer locations x 3 replicates). Temperatures are being measured on the litter layer surface and at the mineral soil/litter layer interface.

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