Long-term harvesting effects on skid road in a fir (Abies bornmulleriana Mattf.) plantation forest

Abstract

In this study, long-term timber harvesting effects on a skid road were investigated in a pure fir (Abies bornmulleriana Mattf.) plantation forest. For this purpose, herbaceous understory, forest floor and soil samples were collected from the skid road and from an undisturbed area as a control plot. Unit mass (kg ha(-1)), organic matter ratio and moisture on herbaceous and forest floor samples were determined in undisturbed area and on the skid road. Soil characteristics were examined at two depths (0-5 cm and 5-10 cm). We quantified sand, silt and clay rates, electrical conductivity, fine soil ( 2 mm), root mass, organic carbon, moisture equivalent, total porosity, bulk density, moisture, compaction and pH values in soils.