Stand structure and soils of selected Dendroctonus rufipennis infested Picea X lutzii stands on the Kenai lowlands of Alaska

Abstract

Eight Dendroctonus rufipennis infested Picea X lutzii stands are described in terms of stand structure conditions, understory species and soils composition. The Kenai Lowland stands were sampled in 1993 and 1994 during a period of widespread D. rufipennis infestation across Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Seven of the eight stands had open stand conditions. Total species stem (>2.5 inch dbh) densities averaged 281 stems/acre. P.X lutzii stem densities averaged 233 stems/acre with 23 percent dead. Levels of D. rufipennis damage for dominant and codominant P.X lutzii crown classes averaged 65 percent and 54 percent, respectively. Picea regeneration was limited and appeared outcompeted in the understory by Calamagrostis canadensis. Mossed over woody debris provided hummocky topography and regeneration platforms. Seven Kenai soil associations were identified and consisted primarily of well drained silt loams with allophanic and fluvial outwash parent material. Multisequum horizon profiles reflected allophanic rejuvination of soil organic carbon content.