Effects on Forestry

Ash blanket over young forest in Mardingding village, Indonesia from the Mt. Sinabung
eruption
Plantation forestry on the slopes of Mt Etna during the 2002 eruption, unaffected by several
millimetres of fallen ash.

Young forests are most at risk from ashfall; stands of trees less than 2 years old are likely to be destroyed
by ash deposits thicker than 100 mm (4 in) (Neild et al, 1998). Ashfall alone is not likely to kill mature
trees, but the accumulated weight of ash can break large branches in cases of heavy ashfall (>500 mm (20
in)). Defoliation of trees may also occur, especially if there is a coarse component of ash-sized particles or
larger tephra and during heavy ashfall.

Impacts on forests are not expected to be significant until ashfall exceeds 100 mm (4 in). Branch damage
may begin to occur in younger trees at around this level, with an increase in damage occurring as levels
of ash increase. Access to forests will also be disrupted as roads may be blocked. Little long-term damage is
expected to ensue. Depths of around 500 mm (20 in) of ash or more will cause major damage to forests.
Extensive branch breakages will occur, and access to forests will be severely impeded. Access will not be
possible at all for logging trucks. The area will be reusable, but the existing forest environment will be
substantially altered, the burial of young trees a major part of this. Planting directly into basaltic ash is
possible for many species, including Pinus Radiata. Planting directly into more silicic ash such
as rhyolite is however more problematic, due to nutrient issues such as nitrogen and calcium deficiency
(Neild et al., 1998).