Effects of Coarse Woody Debris on Soil Temperature and Water Content in Two Reconstructed Soils in Reclaimed Boreal Forest

Coarse woody debris (CWD) and cover soils are used to expedite ecological processes in reclaimed boreal forests after oil sands mining. Soil water content soil temperature considered key factors for revegetation during mine reclamation as they impact surface atmosphere interactions plant growth. However, the effects of CWD on not well studied. This study assessed size (large, small) type (spruce: Picea mariana, aspen: Populus tremuloides) two constructed with forest floor-mineral mix (FMM) peat-mineral (PMM)) at sites. Annual summer precipitation showed year-to-year variability; mean air did not. had a greater moderating than CWD, PMM having stronger influence FMM. Adding increased more FMM PMM, effect was mostly observed months. In spruce small associated content, whereas there no distinct differentiation between FFM. suggests application would be beneficial reclamation.