Sustaining productivity is a goal of forest management and a legal obligation for the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA Forest Service, along with Canadian, university, and industry research scientists and professionals from U.S. national forests are working together in this cooperative study to find answers to many questions concerning long-term soil productivity.

Long-Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) research focuses on the joint role of soil porosity and site organic matter and their effect on the site processes that control productivity. This study is being carried out through a standard series of experimental treatments designed to create varying degrees of stress to forest soils.

Results from this study will allow scientists to compare differences in biological responses and soil recovery in the various treatments. Because these studies are being conducted over a wide array of climates and soil types, scientists will also be able to determine which forest types may be more susceptible to disturbance. With this knowledge, scientists will be able to determine ways of minimizing the effects of disturbance and they will also be able to develop innovative treatments meant to enhance the soil resource.

LTSP Brochure (496 K in PDF format - get free Acrobat Reader from Adobe to view)

LTSP Study Objectives

Estimating Losses of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen After a High-Severity Fire

A Guide to Soil Quality Monitoring and Long Term Ecosystem Sustainability