Soil productivity and harvest operations

Abstract

Concern over changes in soil productivity due to forest management is often debated by forest managers and the public. One key element in the discussion is use of mechanized equipment (such as rubber-tired skidders, log forwarders, or tracked vehicles) to remove timber products from the forest. Part of the debate focuses on soil compaction, removal of nutrients when tree crowns are removed rather than left on the soil surface after harvest, length of time for soils to recover, and methods for monitoring. We have found that ultimately soil properties (texture, organic matter, and water content) determine the impact of harvesting or site preparation.

Parent Publication

• ECO-Report - Scientific independence: A key to credibility

Citation

Page-Dumroese, Deborah. 2007. Soil productivity and harvest operations. In: EcoReport. Missoula, MT: Bitterroot Ecosystem Management Research Project: 11.