Impact of Harvesting and Site Preparation on Physical Properties of Piedmont Forest Soils

Abstract

The impact of intensive forest management practices on soil bulk density, aeration porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity was examined to a depth of 0.3 m before harvest, after harvest, and after site preparation. Harvesting caused significant changes in soil physical properties to an average depth of 0.17 m in whole tree harvest plots and 0.22 m in skid trail plots. Disking was effective in restoring soil physical properties to preharvest levels in the upper 0.07 to 0.12 m of soil. Soil compaction in chop/burn plots may result in reduced root growth because of mechanical impedance, reduced aeration, or both.