232 SLASH DISPOSAL 



mediate cuttings is small, both in size of pieces and in total 

 quantity. 



Intermediate cuttings cannot be made without the exist- 

 ence of fairly good markets; which in turn permits of close 

 utiKzation. Ordinarily the slash does not require disposal. 



In liberation cuttings the slash should be lopped and scat- 

 tered wherever it is lying upon reproduction. 



Severe thinnings, improvement cuttings, or salvage cuttings, 

 particularly in coniferous stands, may create a slash heavy 

 enough to need disposal. A piling and burning method is 

 suggested. 



Severance cuttings should be followed by piling and burn- 

 ing all of the slash in order to secure a clean line. 



Selecting the Method of Slash Disposal. — As explained 

 on page 216, the total silvicultural effect of slash disposal is 

 a composite of the combined effects upon the soil, reproduc- 

 tion and upon the chief enemies of the forest, fires, insects 

 and fungi. What is best in slash disposal for one of these 

 may be injurious for another. In other words in their require- 

 ments for treatment of slash to produce the most satisfactory 

 results these various interests may conflict. 



From the standpoint of forest fires complete removal of 

 the slash, which furnishes a substantial part of the fuel for 

 fires, represents the ideal treatment. Of greatest importance 

 is the removal of the smaller, highly inflammable portions of 

 the slash, while the larger pieces can often be safely left. In 

 the control of destructive insects the situation is reversed; 

 although as an ideal complete removal of slash would be 

 desirable, still the part of the slash of vital importance is that 

 including the large pieces. 



The greatest benefit to the soil, usually follows through 

 retention of all the slash; and it is possible that leaving the 

 slash just as it is will be the best method of treatment. 



