Abstract
According to the importance of soil in forest ecosystem, this study was conducted in Mazandaran Province of Iran to investigate the effects of skidding operation on organic carbon of soil. Therefore, the objective of this research was to compare the rate of soil organic carbon between two areas inside and outside of the skid trails based on its depth. In order to carrying out of field survey, two samples from inside (for different depth of 0-5 and 5-10 centimeters) and two samples from outside of each 20 meters of skid trail were taken (Totally 80 soil sample). The rate of organic carbon was determined with burning through black&walking method. Results show that in all stations the percentage of organic carbon in soil samples collected from outside of trails was more than that of soil samples collected from inside of skid trail. Result of statistical analysis show that the skidding causes to significant difference between the two treatments for percentage of organic carbon (inside and outside of skid trail) in different depth of soil (P<0.05). Moreover, changes in percentage of soil organic carbon in samples measured for inside of skid trail was high and for outside of skid trail was low. The mean of soil organic carbon in layer of 0-5 centimeter was more than that of the layer of 5-10 centimeter. But, this difference is not significant (P<0.05). In order to decrease damage to forest soil it is better that the skid trail is covered by vegetation foliage and wood debris. Moreover, it is recommended that the skid trails seeded after skidding operation. Moreover, in order to decrease disturbance of soil organic matter in forest ecosystem, Tite Pressure Control System (TPCS) can be used on skidders to reduce the pressure of wheels per unit area at minimum level.
Highlights
Forest utilization is a type of timber logging which is conducted according to scientific, technical and environmental standards
The objective of this research was to compare the rate of soil organic carbon between two areas inside and outside of the skid trails based on its depth
In order to decrease damage to forest soil it is better that the skid trail is covered by vegetation foliage and wood debris
Summary
Forest utilization is a type of timber logging which is conducted according to scientific, technical and environmental standards. Forest utilization must be based on socio-economic manuals. One of the main problems of Harvesting is damage to forest soil. In managing natural soil factors, the maintenance of organic matter in forest soils should be a long-term management aim (Greacen & Sands, 1980). A harvesting system refers to the tools, equipment and machines used to harvest an area, while harvesting method refers to the form in which wood is delivered to the logging access road, and depends on the amount of processing. Two harvesting systems are practiced in Iran: ground based skidding system and cable system (high-lead and teleferic). The main system for wood extraction in the Hyrcanian forests is based on ground skidding by skidder
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