Soil Gas Exchange in the Clearcut Site at Harvard Forest 2011-2013

Soil CO2 efflux was measured at the clear cut site beginning in 2011. That year a nearby spruce site was also measured for comparison. Soil respiration was measured in 2011 and 2012 with the LI-COR 6200 instrument and soil efflux was calculated later in the lab. In 2013 soil respiration was measured with the LI-COR 6400 instrument, which computed the fluxes internally. In 2012 three trenched plots were established at the clear cut site. Those were established by trenching a 2 x 2 meter perimeter to a depth of about 50 cm, severing any roots. The trenches were lined with heavy duty landscaping cloth and backfilled. Soil collars were installed in the middle of the trenched plots and measured in 2012 (1 large one used with the LI-6200 machine) and in 2013 (two smaller ones used with the LI-6400 machine). Sampling points were scattered around the site, along vegetation transects (near the EC tower, across the fire access road).