The sustainability of soil productivity under pine plantation management remains uncertain due to limited long-term soil sampling. Resampling of the forest floor and soil from the
Consortium of Accelerated Pine Production Studies (CAPPS) plots in Georgia USA after twenty
years of plantation management has provided an opportunity to study long-term soil response to
fertilization and vegetation control from mid- to end-rotation focusing on soil C, N, and acidity.
Fertilization had no effect on soil C content but increased soil N content. Fertilization also
induced soil acidification as reflected by decreased pH, reduced base cation concentrations, and
elevated exchangeable acidity. Vegetation control reduced both soil C and N content with little
effect on soil acidity. Regardless of management, soil under plantations generally saw reduced
soil C and increased soil acidification from mid- to end-rotation. These trends suggest stresses on
soil sustainability that require continued management.
