The 1st wood stake decomposition study was established on the North American Long Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) site at the Priest River Experimental Forest (hemlock/cedar habitat type) in October 1997. Four of the nine 0.8 ha core LTSP treatment plots were used: 1) no OM removal, no compaction (OM₀C₀), 2) no OM removal, heavy compaction (OM₀C₂), 3) heavy OM removal, no compaction (OM₂C₀), 4) heavy OM removal, heavy compaction (OM₂C₂). Two plots were also set up in an uncut stand adjacent to the treatment area. Two microplots were established around soil moisture and temperature data collectors in the herbicided portion (0.43 ha) of each treatment plot (n=8). Twenty-five stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 30 cm) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), aspen (Populus tremuloides), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) were installed at each microplot - for a total of 750 stakes (25 stakes x 3 species x 5 treatment plots x 2 microplots).

Since the time of year when the stakes are installed may have a significant impact on the wood decomposition process, 25 loblolly pine and 25 aspen stakes (no hemlock) were placed in each microplot the following spring (April 1998) - a total of 500 additional stakes (25 stakes x 2 species x 5 treatments x 2 microplots/treatment). Five stakes of each species and season were removed from all microplots every 6 months starting in April 1998. The final stakes were removed in October 2000. Wood and soil gas analysis is continuing.

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