Microbial Processes > Long-Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) Study > Study Details: 5 - Questions We Can Answer

Evaluating Management Impacts on Long-Term Soil Productivity: A Research and National Forest System Cooperative Study

Questions We Can Answer

1. What changes in site organic matter and soil porosity indicate changes in potential productivity?
2. How can this be measured over broader areas?
3. What practical field methods will detect these changes?
4. Are current standards and guidelines for productivity appropriate?
5. Are soil quality thresholds valid?
6. To what extent can degraded sites be renovated?
7. How do changes in soil variables affect tree susceptibility to forest pests?
8. How does stand productivity compare with net primary productivity?
9. How does the degree of soil disturbance affect:
   • Carbon allocation above and below ground?
   • Water use efficiency?
   • Nutrient use efficiency?
   • Soil organisms?
   • Soil processes?
10. Can the inherent productivity of the site be raised through intensive cultural treatments?
11. Can general models be developed to predict changes in potential productivity from changes in soil variables both within and between climatic regions?

Next page - Coordination >