Effects of Climate and Soil Type Interactions on Probable Work Days with Harvest Equipment in Mississippi and Alabama Forests

Abstract

Abstract A computer model predicted soil moisture in three climate zones with three soil textures. A 30 yr daily simulation provided probable work days for the nine combinations. Criteria for work days were soil moisture capacities less than 95% of maximum for sandy soils, 80% for loamy soils, and 65% for clay soils. Results indicate that sandy soils in the inland zone allow 233 work days/yr at the 50% probability level, whereas clay soils there allow only 140 days at that level. In the coastal zone sandy soils allow 252 work days/yr at the 50% level and clay soils allow 122 days at that level. These results were produced at ten probability levels for all soil types and all zones, as well as for each month. Applied examples of uses of the results are included. South. J. Appl. For. 24(4):213-218.