Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar

COLLEGE OF ENGINNERING

FOREST PRODUCT OF ENGINEERING

Laboratory no _
BSAE- 4: GOBRIN JAMES D.

PROFESSOR: Eng’r.

Investigating a Rotting Log

Study Site: UEP (Eco Park)

Introduction
Fallen logs snags (standing dead trees or stumps) are important members of the forest
community. They provide homes and food for small animals. These small animals, in
turn, are eaten by larger predators, such as birds, coyotes and snakes. The rich organic,
loose material decaying from the log provides a unique habitat where certain plants,
fungi, tree seedlings, mosses and ferns can grow. (fallen lose are often called nurse
logs because they provide a relatively sheltered place for plants to take roots. They
retain moisture the dry summer months). The log eventually decays into he soil,
adding nutrients and changing the soil’s texture, color, depth and water holding
capabilities.

Objectives

1. To determine the log of the tree, species of tree.

2. To determine the bark, wood, structure, etc.

3. To determine the difference between the tallest and shortest plant is the range of
height.

4. To determine the tree size, the circumference of the tree.

Find a fairly large rotting log. Work in pairs or small groups to observe and record as
much as you can. Be sure not to tear the log apart. If you lift up any part of the log,
please be respectful of the plants and animals and put the parts back where you
found them. The following questions will help you look more closely at your log.

1. Can you locate the stump of the tree? Yes where is it in relation to the log?
Because the stump has the same cut of the tree
2. Was the tree cut down or did it die naturally? Cut down How can you tell?
3. Is the bark still on the log? Yes If yes, describe the condition of the bark.
The condition is dry and decayed.
4. What is the species of this tree (look at ark, wood, structure, etc)?
The species of this tree is MAHOGANY.
(If you do not know the species of the tree, write down a description of what
you see so you may look it up later.) _________________________________
5. List or draw evidence of animals in or on the log ( look for insect and
woodpecker holes, animal dens, sawdust around the base of the log, and
animals themselves).ants

6. How do you think this log helps new plants to grow?

If the log is decayed and died and if it become a soil and decompose.
7. What effect do you think animals have on the log?
Ants and other animals on the log because they need habitat and the log
because more decayed.
8. What do you think will eventually happen to this log?
 Heavy wind or typhoon can the tree or die a tree it may be decomposed after
a long year.
9. How many years do you think it will take for this log to completely
decompose into the soil? 2 years.

ROTTEN LOG SCAVERGER