Northern Journal of Applied Forestry · 1988 · 39 citations · 0 references
AgricultureForestrySoil SciencesSoil MechanicsSoil PhysicsSoil ScienceMechanized HarvestingSoil CompactionSoil DensitySoil DynamicsWheel Track ManagementBulk DensityBulk Density RecoveryForwarder Soil CompactionFour-wheel Drive SystemsSoil Bulk DensityThinningWheel Track Compaction RecoveryWheel-soil Interaction
Abstract The change in wheel track surface soil bulk densities was determined after a mechanized thinning in a northern red oak stand. Mean bulk density values of the 0 to 5 cm surface of the wheel tracks immediately after felling, bunching, and skidding were: 0.80 g/cc on the high use areas; 0.77 g/cc on the low use areas; and 0.42 g/cc in the undisturbed areas. No significant differences in surface soil bulk densities were found between several loading treatments using a four-wheel drive articulated forwarder. The data indicate that initial passes of the equipment produce most of the disturbance. No significant recovery in wheel track soil bulk densities occurred during the year following harvest regardless of treatment. North. J. Appl. For. 5:120-123, June 1988.