Variation in Some Soil Properties, Organic Matter and Soil Compaction after Logging Activities

Year 2016, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 82 - 88, 23.12.2016

Korhan Enez , Temel Sariyildiz , Gamze Savaci , Burak Aricak

Abstract

In Turkey, three types of logging methods are widely used in forest
operations; manpower, animal power and mechanical power. In recent years, the
most common method involves skidding with farm tractors. In addition, the use
of skidding through wire drawing is often applied in the most regions. The
objective of this study was to determine the effects of logging activities on
soil properties, organic horizon, and soil compaction. Study area was selected
from Sarıçam Sub-District Directorate in Kastamonu, Turkey. In the study area,
logging activities were carried out by farm tractors and the skidding through
wire drawing at two slope classes (30-60% and 60-100%). Mineral soil samples
(0-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-20 cm soil depths) were taken from four
micro-ecological sites; skid road, logging residuals subbase, mineral soil
without topsoil, and control (no activity). The soil samples were analyzed for
soil pH, soil texture, permeability, bulk density (BD), water holding capacity
(WHC), organic matter (OM), skeleton volume (SW) and soil compaction. Results
showed that there were significant differences in soil compaction, soil
texture, SW and OM between the four micro-ecological sites. However, the
variation differed according to the soil depths and soil texture. The mineral
soil without topsoil showed the lowest SW, sand and OM, whereas, it had the
highest soil compaction and clay. The deepest soil part had the highest soil
compaction. The results also showed higher dispersion ratios (higher than 15)
which indicated higher erosion risk due to high land slope and low permeability
values.

Keywords

Logging methods, Soil disturbance, Soil compaction, Scots pine, Kastamonu

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