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Abstract
The objective of this research was to assess the effect of skidding machinery on soil physical and micromorphological properties. The different positions (control or non-traffic areas, left wheel track, right wheel track and log track) and two soil depths (0 - 10 and 10 - 20 cm) in three repetitions were investigated. The results showed that average soil dry bulk density in four positions and two soil depths were significantly different. Comparison of average total porosity percentage and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity revealed that there were significant differences in four positions and two soil depths. Soil thin section studies using Image Tool software showed that in compacted samples there was an increase in the number of vughs voids and channels voids were in low occurrence. Micromorphological studies showed that soil compaction caused void size to decrease. In compacted samples voids bigger than 10 μm were very rare and dominant voids size was 2 μm. In compacted samples soil structure were damaged and aggregates were compressed. Also soil matrix was compressed and microstructure was massive. Results from this study confirmed that skidding machinery had a significant effect on soil physical and morphological properties. These changes causes soil and environmental degradation due to reduction in water infiltration increasing soil erosion risk.
Highlights
Forest harvesting is an important, ongoing disturbance that affects the composition, structure, and ecological function of the majority of the world’s forests [1]
The results showed that average soil dry bulk density in four positions and two soil depths were significantly different
Variance analysis showed that soil depths and sample positions and their interaction effects significantly affected soil dry bulk density
Summary
Forest harvesting is an important, ongoing disturbance that affects the composition, structure, and ecological function of the majority of the world’s forests [1]. The skidder’s travel on skid trails causes damage to forest soil. The level of damages depends on the weight of the vehicles and loads as well as forest soil characteristics. Direct damages to forest soil are caused by compaction of soil particles attributable to vehicle traffic [2]. Logging always leads to a wide range of disturbing effects on the forest ecosystem. Soil compaction is the first consequence arising from skidder traffic and due to the weight of the machine with load, engine vibrations and wheel slip the soil in skid trails will be compacted. Water and air infiltration decreases and run off increases [3]
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