Compaction and Soil Disturbances from Logging in Southern Chile

1991

S. 63-71

2 Abb., 2 Tab., 34 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200041297

In an dystrochrept clay forest soil, the effect of a different number of passes of a rubber-tyred skidder on bulk density, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity was studied. Soil samples were taken in undisturbed areas, and under skid trails with 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 machine passes. Most compaction occurred after the initial few passes, but bulk density also increased significantly after more than 3 passes. Increases in bulk density were still important at the maximum sampling depth of 20 cm. Total porosity decreased for all treatments, associated with a reproduction of macrospores. The saturated hydraulic conductivity became significantly reduced after the first initial passes. The effect of compaction on tree growth needs to be further studied and quantified.