Economics of Soil Disturbance

Abstract

Economic implications of soil disturbance are discussed in four categories: planning and layout, selection of harvesting systems and equipment, long-term site productivity loss, and rehabilitation treatments. Preventive measures are more effective in minimizing impacts on soils than rehabilitation treatments because of the remedial expenses, loss of productivity until mitigation occurs, and the possibility that original soil conditions may not be restored. Alternative harvesting practices that are designed to minimize impacts on soils, such as use of designated skid trails and wide trail-spacing, increase overall harvesting costs. Sites with high risk for soil disturbance may require use of expensive wood extraction methods (e.g., skyline yarding), as opposed to lower cost options (e.g. ground skidding). Tillage treatments in severely compacted areas appear to be cost effective if properly implemented. An accurate estimation of economic consequences from long-term site productivity losses is difficult, although there is a general consensus that soil disturbance at some locations can reduce tree growth.

Parent Publication

• Volcanic-ash-derived forest soils of the inland Northwest: Properties and implications for management and restoration

Citation

Han, Han-Sup. 2007. Economics of Soil Disturbance. In: Page-Dumroese, Deborah; Miller, Richard; Mital, Jim; McDaniel, Paul; Miller, Dan, tech. eds. 2007. Volcanic-Ash-Derived Forest Soils of the Inland Northwest: Properties and Implications for Management and Restoration. 9-10 November 2005; Coeur d’Alene, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-44; Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 165-171