The influence of silvicultural treatments and coarse woody material (CWM) on carbon storage and sequestration

CWM plays a role in nutrient and chemical cycling in forest soils by creating a reservoir of organic carbon and nutrients. However, there are a lack of studies looking at the impacts of removing or altering CWM. As climate change affects factors influencing CWM decomposition, understanding the role of CWM in a managed forest is vital. Objectives include examining the impacts of (1) the relationship between canopy gap size and soil C, and (2) the proximity to the CWM on soil carbon, ammonium, and nitrate. This research will provide information on how carbon concentrations change depending on forest management practices.