SILVICULTURAL EFFECTS OF SLASH 217 



ground the beneficial influence of slash is at a minimum. On 

 bare soils and on steep slopes at high altitudes the protective 

 value of slash is greatest. 



Slash in Relation to Reproduction. — Slash exerts an influ- 

 ence upon reproduction sometimes beneficial and sometimes 

 unfavorable, depending upon the amount and character of 

 the slash and the silvical conditions in the individual case. 

 Where slash is so abundant as to occupy a considerable por- 

 tion of the area it is certain to have an important relation to 

 reproduction. 



Its beneficial effect is to encourage the start and early- 

 development of reproduction. This may be accomphshed: 

 (i) By the conservation of the moisture in the surface soil 

 through the protection afforded by the slash against sun and 

 wind, (2) By the creation of desired seedbed conditions 

 through shading and through the increase in humus and litter 

 (derived from the foliage of the felled trees), (3) By the 

 protecting shade afforded young plants, and (4) By the me- 

 chanical protection given the seedHngs against the trampling 

 and browsing of animals. 



The harmful influence of slash upon reproduction is its 

 action as an obstacle to germination or to early development 

 of the young plants. Slash, where it hes thickly, may mechan- 

 ically stop the growth of reproduction which started previous 

 to the cutting. Sufficient heat for germination of seeds to 

 take place may be lacking due to the amount of slash, or the 

 seedbed created may be unfavorable. If germination takes 

 place there may be lack of light under the slash to insure 

 survival of the reproduction. 



Slash in Relation to Forest Fires. — Unquestionably slash 

 is dangerous from the fire standpoint for it is one of the most 

 important sources of inflammable material. In addition to 

 the slash the fitter, ground cover, underbrush, fiving trees and 



