Reforestation in Northern Arizona 



109 



mine the difference in soil moisture between Aspen covered 

 and open plots were taken at approximate intervals of one month 

 and the results are tabulated below. 



Results show that the soil in the Aspen covered plots con- 

 tains more moisture and therefore they are more suited to plant- 

 ing. The decomposed leaf litter undoubtedly aids in holding the 

 moisture in the ground while the Aspen cover lessens evapora- 

 tion. Counts on the open plots, made near the end of the season, 

 showed an average of seventy-eight per cent living, and on the 

 shaded plots an average of eighty-eight per cent living. 



CONCLUSION. 



Artificial reforestation of the areas in. the Western Yellow 

 Pine type that are being logged under the present silvicultural 

 systems is not necessary, because in marking for cutting enough 

 seed trees are left to seed the area and besides there are usually 

 some young trees already established. Scattering the brush will 

 aid reproduction since it protects the seedlings from frost, and 

 helps to conserve soil-moisture. Artificial reforestation by broad- 

 casting and seed spot sowing will not be possible on heavily log- 

 ged areas of the Western Yellow Pine type on the cinder soil, 

 because there is not sufficient soil cover to check the excessive 

 evaporation and to protect the seedlings from drying winds and 

 frosts that are so prevalent in this region. In the limestone 

 area the grass is so thick in places and the surface soil becomes 

 so dry that broadcasting and seed spot sowing is not practical. 

 The results of planting on these areas show that by developing 

 plants with excellent root systems planting will be successful. 

 Although these assumptions are based on only one year's results. 



