scholarly journals Management Implications of Using Brush Mats for Soil Protection on Machine Operating Trails during Mechanized Cut-to-Length Forest Operations

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Labelle ◽  
Dirk Jaeger
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Protective Layer ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Forest Operations ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Bioenergy Generation

Mechanized cut-to-length forest operations often rely on the use of brush mats created from harvesting debris (tree limbs, tops, and foliage) to reduce soil disturbances as a result of in-stand machine traffic. These brush mats, placed directly on the forest floor within machine operating trails, distribute loads of timber harvesting and extraction machinery to a greater area, thereby reducing peak pressures exerted to the ground and rutting for maintaining technical trafficability of operating trails. Forest biomass has also been promoted as a source of green and renewable energy, to reduce carbon emissions from energy production. However, to maintain sufficient quality of biomass for bioenergy operations (high heating value and low ash content), brush needs to be free of contaminants such as mineral soil. This constraint eliminates the possibility of the dual use of brush, first as a soil protective layer on machine operating trails and afterwards for bioenergy generation. Leaving machine operating trails uncovered will cause machine loads to be fully and directly applied to the soil, thus increasing the likelihood of severe soil disturbance, tree growth impediment and reducing trail trafficability. The main objective of this study was to quantify the effect of varying machine operating trail spacing and width on the amount of brush required for soil protection. This was achieved by creating five model forest stands (four mature and one immature), commonly found in New Brunswick, Canada, and using their characteristics as input in the Biomass Opportunity and Supply Model (BiOS) from FPInnovations. BiOS provided several key biomass related outputs allowing the determination of the amount of biomass available for soil protection, which was the main focus of this research. The simulation results showed that regardless of trail area tested, all four mature forest stands were able to support uniform distribution of 20 kg m−2 brush mats (green mass) throughout their entire trail network during clear-cut operations but not during partial harvests. From the three factors assessed (brush amount, trail width, and trail spacing), trail width had the highest effect on the required brush amount for trail protection, which in turn has a direct impact on the amount of brush that could be used for bioenergy generation.

scholarly journals Impact of forest biomass for energy harvesting on soil compaction – Irish case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 526-533
Author(s):  
J. Pohořalý ◽  
R. Klvač ◽  
T. Kent ◽  
M. Kleibl ◽  
E. Coates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Logging Residue ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Irish Case

An assessment of soil compaction caused by machinery used in stump and/or logging residue extraction for energy on soils typical of Ireland. We determined unaffected soil conditions and to find the compaction grade after timber harvesting and bundling activities, and to compare those results with stands where timber harvesting was followed by stump extraction for energy. The investigation was carried out in Ireland on three different locations which had a slightly different proportion of stones in their soils. Two of the soils were purely mineral soils, and the third was a mineral soil affected by anthropogenic activities. To ensure comparable results as much as possible, the moisture content of the soil on wet basis was investigated. Each location was purposely treated. Therefore, on each location plots were identified as follows: plots unaffected by operation (reference area), plots after timber harvesting, plots after timber harvesting and bundling operation, and plots after timber harvesting and stump extraction operation. According to the experimental design 40 repetitions on each of the three different treatments were set. The results showed that the compaction of soil occurred on plots after timber harvesting, but there was not a significant difference between compaction grades with and without logging residue bundling operation. However, once the site was extracted of stumps, the soil became too loose and no significant difference was found compared to unaffected soil.  

Soil Disturbance Associated with Timber Harvesting in Southwestern British Columbia

1975 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. Bockheim ◽  
T. M. Ballard ◽  
R. P. Wellington
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Western North America ◽  
Soil Material ◽  
Parent Materials ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
High Lead ◽  
Lead Site

Soil disturbance associated with timber harvesting was evaluated in five localities in southwestern British Columbia, along transects located away from main haul roads and associated sidecast soil material. Small skid trails and associated sidecast material were included in the evaluation. Of the several disturbance indices evaluated, the percentage of area occupied by exposed mineral soil (EMS) appears to be most useful. For 13 high-lead logged sites, EMS averaged 29% and ranged from 5 to 56%. Low EMS (9%) was associated with a high-lead site logged over snow. High EMS was associated with steep slopes (greater than 70%) and shale-rich soils. Less disturbance occurred on soils derived from granitic parent materials. On two tractor-logged sites with 25 to 60% slopes, EMS was 71 and 68%, respectively. On a helicopter-logged site, EMS was only 5%. These data are compared to estimates of soil disturbance caused by logging in other regions of western North America.

Silvicultural treatments, microclimatic conditions and seedling response in Southern Interior clearcuts

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Fleming ◽  
T. A. Black ◽  
R. S. Adams ◽  
R. J. Stathers
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Lower Elevation ◽  
Organic Horizons ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions

Post-harvest levels of soil disturbance and vegetation regrowth strongly influence microclimate conditions, and this has important implications for seedling establishment. We examined the effects of blading (scalping), soil loosening (ripping) and vegetation control (herbicide), as well as no soil disturbance, on growing season microclimates and 3-yr seedling response on two grass-dominated clearcuts at different elevations in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Warmer soil temperatures were obtained by removing surface organic horizons. Ripping produced somewhat higher soil temperatures than scalping at the drier, lower-elevation site, but slightly reduced soil temperatures at the wetter, higher-elevation site. Near-surface air temperatures were more extreme (higher daily maximums and lower daily minimums) over the control than over exposed mineral soil. Root zone soil moisture deficits largely reflected transpiration by competing vegetation; vegetation removal was effective in improving soil moisture availability at the lower elevation site, but unnecessary from this perspective at the higher elevation site. The exposed mineral surfaces self-mulched and conserved soil moisture after an initial period of high evaporation. Ripping and scalping resulted in somewhat lower near-surface available soil water storage capacities. Seedling establishment on both clearcuts was better following treatments which removed vegetation and surface organic horizons and thus enhanced microclimatic conditions, despite reducing nutrient supply. Such treatments may, however, compromise subsequent stand development through negative impacts on site nutrition. Temporal changes in the relative importance of different physical (microclimate) and chemical (soil nutrition) properties to soil processes and plant growth need to be considered when evaluating site productivity. Key words: Microclimate, soil temperature, air temperature, soil moisture, clearcut, seedling establishment

Evaluation of planting sites common to a southeast Alaska clear-cut. IV. Nutrient levels in ectomycorrhizal Sitka spruce seedlings

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy C. Sidle ◽  
Charles G. Shaw III
Keyword(s):  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Sitka Spruce ◽  
Southeast Alaska ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
The North ◽  
Rotten Wood ◽  
North Side ◽  
Foliar Concentrations ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) seedlings colonized by the ectomycorrhizal fungi Laccarialaccata (Scop. ex Fr.) Berk and Br., Hebelomacrustuliniforme (Bull, ex St. Amans) Quel., or Cenococcumgeophilum Fr. and a noninoculated control were planted on rotten wood, undisturbed duff, undisturbed duff on the north side of large stumps, and exposed mineral soil in an area recently clear-cut on Chichagof Island, southeast Alaska. Uptake and concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and several micronutrients in foliage, stems, and roots were determined 2 years after outplanting. There were no significant interactions between fungal treatments and microsite types for uptake or concentration of any nutrient. Uptake and concentrations of N and P in foliage and roots did not differ significantly among fungal treatments. Foliar K and Cu concentrations were significantly higher in control seedlings than in those with L. laccata ectomycorrhizae. Calcium was the only nutrient analyzed that was present in higher concentrations in seedlings inoculated with H. crustuliniforme than in controls. Concentrations of foliar P, Mn, and Zn were significantly greater in seedlings grown on undisturbed duff (protected north side) than in seedlings grown on exposed mineral soil. However, foliar concentrations of all nutrients tested were not significantly different between seedlings grown on undisturbed duff (unprotected sites) and those grown on mineral soil. Seedlings grown on rotten wood had significantly greater concentrations of foliar Ca than seedlings grown on either exposed mineral soil or undisturbed duff. The on-site colonization of control seedlings after outplanting indicates that resident ectomycorrhizal fungi readily establish and appear to provide equal if not improved nutrient benefits compared to inoculated seedlings. Greater nutritional benefits were derived by planting on certain microsite types (duff and protected duff) than by inoculating with specific ectomycorrhizal fungi.

scholarly journals Impacts of Alternative Harvesting and Natural Disturbance Scenarios on Forest Biomass in the Superior National Forest, USA

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Russell ◽  
Stephanie Patton ◽  
David Wilson ◽  
Grant Domke ◽  
Katie Frerker
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Volume Control ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Project Area

The amount of biomass stored in forest ecosystems is a result of past natural disturbances, forest management activities, and current structure and composition such as age class distributions. Although natural disturbances are projected to increase in their frequency and severity on a global scale in the future, forest management and timber harvesting decisions continue to be made at local scales, e.g., the ownership or stand level. This study simulated potential changes in natural disturbance regimes and their interaction with timber harvest goals across the Superior National Forest (SNF) in northeastern Minnesota, USA. Forest biomass stocks and stock changes were simulated for 120 years under three natural disturbance and four harvest scenarios. A volume control approach was used to estimate biomass availability across the SNF and a smaller project area within the SNF (Jeanette Project Area; JPA). Results indicate that under current harvest rates and assuming disturbances were twice that of normal levels resulted in reductions of 2.62 to 10.38% of forest biomass across the four primary forest types in the SNF and JPA, respectively. Under this scenario, total biomass stocks remained consistent after 50 years at current and 50% disturbance rates, but biomass continued to decrease under a 200%-disturbance scenario through 120 years. In comparison, scenarios that assumed both harvest and disturbance were twice that of normal levels and resulted in reductions ranging from 14.18 to 29.85% of forest biomass. These results suggest that both natural disturbances and timber harvesting should be considered to understand their impacts to future forest structure and composition. The implications from simulations like these can provide managers with strategic approaches to determine the economic and ecological outcomes associated with timber harvesting and disturbances.

Evaluation of planting sites common to a southeast Alaska clear-cut. II. Available inoculum of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcumgeophilum

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles G. Shaw III ◽  
Roy C. Sidle
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Southeast Alaska ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Rotten Wood ◽  
Mycorrhizal Propagules ◽  
Soil Volume ◽  
High Lead

Three microsites common to clear-cuts logged by the high-lead method in southeast Alaska were sampled to quantify the occurrence and viability of sclerotia of Cenococcumgeophilum Fr. Undisturbed duff had significantly greater numbers of sclerotia per gram or per cubic centimetre of soil than either exposed mineral soil or rotten wood. There were significantly fewer viable sclerotia per cubic centimetre of rotten wood than in either exposed mineral soil or undisturbed duff. Numbers of viable sclerotia that could contact the root plug of a containerized seedling when it was planted into rotten wood, exposed mineral soil, or undisturbed duff were calculated to be 0.7, 6.1, and 7.2, respectively. Expressing abundance of mycorrhizal propagules by soil volume, rather than weight, is more meaningful when microsites with large differences in soil bulk density are compared.

scholarly journals Tolerant hardwood natural regeneration 15 years after various silvicultural treatments on an industrial freehold of northwestern New Brunswick

2013 ◽  
Vol 89 (04) ◽  
pp. 512-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Béland ◽  
Bruno Chicoine
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
American Beech ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Selection Cutting

We examined applicability of various partial cutting systems in order to regenerate tolerant hardwood stands dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccarhum), American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) on northern New Brunswick J.D. Irving Ltd. freehold land. Sampling of 1065 one-m2 plots in 31 stands managed by selection cutting, shelterwood method and strip or patch cutting and in six control stands allowed a 15-year retrospective study of natural regeneration in stands of low residual densities and with minimal soil disturbance and no control of competing vegetation. Beech regeneration was most abundant in the patch cuts, yellow birch in shelterwood stands and sugar maple in the selection system areas. Results suggest that initial stand conditions influence the composition of the regeneration more than the prescribed treatment. At the stand scale (a few hectares), sugar maple recruitment was positively influenced by its proportion in the initial stand, and negatively by the cover of herbs and shrubs. Yellow birch regeneration was mainly affected by shrub competition. At the plot (1 m2) scale, mineral soil and decayed wood substrates and ground-level transmitted light were determinant factors for yellow birch regeneration. Beech-dominated stands were likely to regenerate to beech. A dense beech sucker understory was promoted in harvested patches. Areas with dense understory of American beech, shrubs, or herbs require site preparation to reduce interference either before or at the time of partial cutting. Shelterwood seed cutting and selection cutting should leave a residual of 12 m2/ha and 17 m2/ha respectively in seed trees uniformly distributed.

scholarly journals Biomass of Coarse Woody Debris Following Fire and Clearcutting in Lodgepole Pine Forests

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 33-35
Author(s):  
Dennis Knight ◽  
Daniel Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Micro Organisms

In forest ecosystems, the decomposition of coarse woody debris, woody roots, twigs, leaves and micro-organisms is a primary source of mineral soil organic matter. Primary productivity, the accumulation of nutrients, and other important ecosystem processes are largely dependent on the mineral soil organic matter that has developed during hundreds or thousands of years. Large quantities of coarse woody debris are typically produced following natural disturbances such as fires, pest/pathogen outbreaks, and windstorms, and make a significant contribution to the formation of soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, timber harvesting often removes much of the coarse woody debris (CWD), which could result in a decrease in the quantity and a change in the quality of mineral soil organic matter.

scholarly journals PREDICTABILITY IN THE PRODUCTIVE PROCESS OF THINNING AND CLEARCUTTING MECHANIZED OPERATIONS IN Pinus taeda L.

FLORESTA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Bruna Martins Garcia ◽  
Philipe Ricardo Casemiro Soares ◽  
Jean Alberto Sampietro ◽  
Caroline Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Critical Points ◽  
Control Charts ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Statistical Process ◽  
Pareto Chart ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Forestry Sector ◽  
Productive Process ◽  
Harvesting Process ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Some organizations in the Brazilian forestry sector, especially in the activities carried out in forest stands, do not follow the development pace of other industries and the adoption rate of management and quality methodologies and tools. This study aimed to evaluate the predictability of timber harvesting process based on critical points identified in the selective thinning and clear cut operations. Interviews and Pareto chart were used, for the identification and evaluation of the critical points, respectively, and for the evaluation of the process, it was used the Statistical Process Control (SPC) by attributes and variables in the main failures. In the interviews conducted with workers, seven critical points were identified. The evaluation with Pareto chart showed that 80% of the failures identified during harvest are attributed to the damage to the remaining trees, sorting (measures of length and diameter of the product) and stump height. Among the possible causes of the critical points are problems with employees’ training, regular maintenance of machinery and operations planning. In the evaluation with the CEP, the control charts indicated that the sorting and stump height, although within the limits specified by the company, was considered unstable and unpredictable

scholarly journals Soil Disturbance and the Potential for Erosion After Mechanical Site Preparation

2002 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Alcázar ◽  
Paul M. Woodard ◽  
Richard L. Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
High Water ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Treatment Area ◽  
Soil Movement ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Water Contents

Abstract Physical soil properties created by three mechanical site preparation treatments (ripper ploughing, disc trenching, and blading) and a control were evaluated to determine the success of these different mechanical site preparation treatments in creating plantable microsites and to estimate the potential for soil erosion created by each treatment. Three sites with fine textured soils and high water contents near Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada), were selected for study. The topography at all sites was similar and characterized by slopes 3.7 to 20% in steepness and approximately 190 to 270 m in length extending from the height of land to stream bottoms. The number of planting sites and the soil characteristics suggest ripper ploughing as the best site preparation treatment in this study, with the hinge microsite as the preferred planting spot. All three treatments significantly improved the physical conditions of the soil compared to the control, although the differences among treatments were small. Soil erosion was observed on areas where blading and ripper ploughing exposed mineral soil. Gullies, which exposed the roots of seedlings, were created by water erosion in the blading treatment area. Sediment deposition in trenches was observed on ripper ploughed areas, and at times, seedlings within this treatment area were partially buried as a result of this soil movement.

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