2l6 SLASH DISPOSAL 



of foliage and small branches. In rare cases even this mate- 

 rial may find utilization as brushwood. 



Slash may be distinguished as originating from either conif- 

 erous or broadleaf species of trees. Of the two the coniferous 

 slash makes the denser cover, remains sound longer and on 

 the whole is a greater menace than hardwood slash. The 

 latter often makes an unsightly tangle loosely occupying 

 considerable space but is not potentially so much a source of 

 danger as the lower lying, more compact coniferous slash. 

 Hardwood slash absorbs moisture faster, and goes to pieces 

 more quickly. This process may be so rapid as not to justify 

 any expenditure for hastening the result. 



For these reasons disposal of coniferous slash is more com- 

 monly undertaken. 



The silvicultural effects of slash in a narrow sense may be 

 restricted to the direct effect upon the soil and reproduction. 

 Under this interpretation slash disposal has separate and 

 distinct silvicultural, fire, entomological and pathological as- 

 pects. As a matter of fact the production of better tree crops 

 is the basis of the forester's interest in treatment of slash. 

 Forest fires, insects and fungi are destructive agencies whose 

 action is directly and primarily to affect production of tree 

 crops. Hence the influence of slash upon these destructive 

 agencies is of silvicultural importance and together with its 

 more direct influence upon soil and reproduction is properly 

 combined under the silvicultural effects of slash. 



Slash in Relation to the Soil. — The effect of slash upon 

 forest soil is beneficial. It prevents erosion and land-slides 

 by holding the Htter and soil in place and by mechanically 

 obstructing the movement of water and soil. Through the 

 process of decay it adds to the organic matter in the soil and 

 as a consequence should tend to increase its productivity. 

 Where an excess supply of undecomposed litter covers the 



