In two or three days the conifers are in a stressful situation because of the lack of soil moisture. If it goes two or three weeks without rain, the trees become severely stressed and suffer current year growth. Unfortunately for the trees, as part of his study Dr. Papadopol offers no irrigation or spraying. Dr. Papadopol's study is one of the first attempt worldwide to measure the effect of soil moisture on forest growth. The only way to help the forest withstand dry periods is to thin it.
Fewer trees require less soil moisture.
Chris' study is learning when to thin and how much to enable the forest to survive and prosper. And what works in the sandy terrain of Sault Ste. Marie is invaluable information for use in different types of soils which hold their moisture. Interest in his reports is worldwide, especially in dry areas. The significance of Chris' work extends far beyond forestry.