Effects of timber harvesting techniques on soil biodiversity and greenhouse gas fluxes of temperate forest soils susceptible to compaction

Vienna

2024

2 S.

Sonderdruck

40004962

Temperate forests are a substantial sink for the greenhouse gases (GHG) methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) are low. However, most of these forests are managed with ground-based harvesting systems causing severe soil disturbance. Soil displacement and compaction has a long-term effect on the soil microbial community structure and alters soil respiration, CH4 uptake, and nitrogen turnover. This significantly reduces the soil ecosystem services on extraction tracks and landings. Soil disturbance is particularly severe and persistent in compaction-prone silty and loamy soils, emphasizing the urgent need for specific techniques for these sites.