The influence of the soil factor on tree stability in Balmoral forest, Canterbury, [New Zealand] during the gale of August 1975.

Authors: D. M. Boyd, T. H. Webb
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1981, Issue N.Z.J.For. 26(1) 1981, pp 96-102, May 1981
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: This brief study shows a relationship between depth to stones and susceptibility to windthrow. Line transects recording soil depth and percentage windthrow were made through single-aged stands of trees where definite patterns of windthrow occurred. Trees on soils with less than 20 cm depth to stones suffered less windthrow than those on deeper phases. The wind-firmness of the trees on very shallow and stony phases was attributed to their lack of root mat formation. Such root mats commonly formed in trees on the more windthrow-susceptible deeper phases.