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