Nutrient loss from burning Pinus radiata logging residue.  D. W. Flinn, P. Hopmans, P. W. Farrell and J. M. James.  September 1978.  7 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Nutrient losses from burning logging residue of a first rotation stand of Pinus radiata grown on a sand podzol in south-west Victoria were examined. Using ten 1 m² plots the nutrient content of ash after burning was determined. Losses during the fire were 84% (or 66 650 kg/ha) dry weight, 72% (220 kg/ha) N, 27% (8 kg/ha) P, 21% (21 kg/ha) K, 31% (123 kg/ha) Ca, 16% (13 kg/ha) Mg, 40% (8 kg/ha) S, 30% (6 kg/ha) Fe and 34% (4 kg/ha) Mn.

The significance of these losses, particularly of nitrogen and organic material, in relation to the maintenance of site productivity on relatively infertile sands low in organic matter is discussed. It was estimated that the combined losses of N from harvesting and burning represent around 28% of the total N in the ecosystem to assault depth of 50 cm. Although such nutrient losses can be replaced by fertiliser additions it is difficult to compensate for loss of organic material, and it was concluded that burning of logging residue should be avoided if the productivity of these sites is to be maintained.

Also published:

Flinn, D.W., Hopmans, P., Farrell, P.W. and James, J.M. (1979)  Nutrient loss from the burning of Pinus radiata logging residue.  Aust. For. Res. 9: 17-23.