Awardee Name
University of Connecticut
Grant Type
State
Project Title
Forest Management Practices Promoting Soil Health
Awardee State/Territory
Connecticut
Involved States/territories
Connecticut
Award Year
2019
End Date
Award Amount
$74,721.00
Production/Use
Forestry
Resource Concern (Broad)
Habitat
Resource Concern (Specific)
Soil organism habitat loss or degradation
Plant productivity and health
Organic matter depletion
Project Background
The purpose of this project is to highlight the influence that forest management practices can have on forest soil conditions and raise awareness of soil health as a long-term forest management goal. This project will investigate ways that soil conditions can be altered by silvicultural activity and identify ways that soil conditions and soil health can be enhanced through the implementation of forest management practices. Through the lens of environmental influences specific to Connecticut that are associated with climate change, intense weather events, insect infestations and invasive plants, how forest management practices might address these and associated soil health concerns will be examined. This project will produce a literature review of current science on forest management and soil health, make specific recommendations as to how this information can be interpreted and applied in Connecticut. The project will suggest revisions to state recognized Best Management Practices (BMPs) for forest management activities for soil and water quality protection and will create educational opportunities and materials for woodland owners and forest practitioners to learn management techniques associated with promoting soil health.
Project targeted to Historically Underserved producers?
No