Chemical characteristics of the surface soil, herbaceous cover and organic layer of a compacted skid road in a fir (Abies bornmulleriana Mattf.) forest

This study looks at the impacts of timber skidding in a pure fir plantation forest. It compares properties of herbaceous cover, organic layer and surface soil on the skid road and on adjacent undisturbed area. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu are quantified and the mass of herbaceous cover and organic layer, and sand, silt, clay rates, bulk density, compaction and pH of soils were assessed. Both the herbaceous cover and organic layer mass on the skid road were significantly lower than the undisturbed area. The soil of the skid road also had higher bulk density and compaction, and lower organic carbon rates producing much denser and compacted soils. Only P concentration in herbaceous cover samples from skid road was significantly higher, while Ca and Mg contents were considerably lower than undisturbed area. There were no significantly differences in N, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations of herbaceous cover. Compared to the undisturbed area, the organic layer of the skid road had particularly low K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn contents. At 0–5 cm soil depth, P and Fe contents were significantly lower than for undisturbed area but there were no major differences at depth of 5–10 cm.