IMPACTS OF FOREST HARVESTING OPERATIONS ON SOIL COMPACTION IN SCOTCH PINE-FIR MIXED STANDS (ÇANKIRI SAMPLE)

Abstract

This study investigated soil compaction, caused by tree felling and ground based forest harvesting operations, in sandy loamy brown forest soil, located in mixed forest stand harvesting units. In the study area, conventional forest harvesting is still practiced and this resulted in considerable soil compaction. As the forests are on the mountainous landscape, ground skidding is carried out by human, animal or tractor power. The impacts of harvesting operations in felling and skidding areas on soil compaction were assessed in this study. Thirty nine sample areas were taken for two soil depths (0-5 cm and 5-10 cm) before and after tree felling and ground skidding activities measuring 7 samples for each, in four different stands. Soil compactions at logged areas were nearly two times greater than the unlogged areas, except tree felling values at 5-10 cm depth.