[maxwellhunt]

Could deforestation on a massive scale effect the oxygen content of the earths atmosphere?

[shygrneyzs]

Of course it could and it does in areas where massive deforestation takes place - such as the Amazon rainforests.

Here is the Google page that lists links to many articles on this topic.

deforestation+oxygen - Google Search

[Capuchin]

Trees are the second main source of oxygen on the planet, after algae. Deforestation reduces the number of trees and so reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is getting turned back into oxygen.

[Evil dead]

Like I stated in Capuchins post above, the deforestation going on presently is not enough to severely imbalance the oxygen levels, the percentage fall is negligible. However, detrivores and other such decomposer's release waste when breaking down complex organics back into their basic elements. Carbon dioxide AND other carbon based compounds are released as waste or products during these process.

Most of the trees that are deforested are left to rot, they only make furniture out of prime trees with good woody resins as material, not the crap you find in many of england s forests. This rotting produces A lot of carbon dioxide which severely adds to the global warming.

[Capuchin]

What in my post was incorrect, evil dead?

[Evil dead]

Erm...

I didn't think it was relevant since the deforestation currently is very massive yet Oxygen levels are at a usable rate...

Was I too fast?

[NeedKarma]

I think the part you missed was that he wasn't referring to the current amount of oxygen but to the rising amount of cardon dioxide. Go back and read the post that you disagreed with.

[Capuchin]

Yes, and how much longer, with continued growth of respiring species and continued deforestation will oxygen be at a usable rate?

I believe that the information I provided is very pertinent to the discussion, and not irrelevant at all.

[Evil dead]

Ok I apologise. I just wanted to give good info

[chuff]

I like your avatar, evil dead.

[shygrneyzs]

I just read an article about the changes in North America in the next two decades. While I may be able to garden all year round, there will be a lack of water to nourish my garden!

[Credendovidis]

Could deforestation on a massive scale effect the oxygen content of the earths atmosphere?

Certainly not at short term. But over a prolonged period... if there is no oxygen freed from the CO2 in atmosphere, slowly but surely the oxygen content would decrease. Very, very slowly...
;)