Soil Compaction from Harvesting and Site Preparation in the Upper Gulf Coastal Plain

Abstract

Abstract The impact of intensive forest management practices on the physical properties of a Typic Paleudult was examined to a depth of 0.3 m by collecting 7.6‐cm core samples before harvest, after harvest, and after site preparation. Whole‐tree harvesting of a 22‐yr‐old loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) plantation caused significant changes in bulk density to a depth of 0.23 m outside of skid trails, and 0.30 m in primary skid trails. Subsequent chop/burn and shear/windrow site preparation treatments had little added impact on bulk density. Post site preparation differences in aeration porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity among treatments were nonsignificant.