Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41320%2F24%3A100379" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41320/24:100379 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2024.1464140" target="_blank" >http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2024.1464140</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2024.1464140" target="_blank" >10.3389/ffgc.2024.1464140</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians
Original language description
Introduction: Timber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws and use of yarders seems optimal in this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work of ground-based technologies even in these challenging conditions. Methods: Our study assessed the impact of winch-assisted cut-to-length harvesting on soil disturbance in young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes of 14.9 degrees-27.4 degrees (27-52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed soil samples from trail ruts, between ruts, and undisturbed areas for soil bulk density (g.cm(-3)) and soil moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), penetration depth (cm) and rut depth (cm). Results: The results highlighted that areas without winch assistance experienced the most significant increases in soil bulk density (up to 22.35%) and penetration resistance (up to 26.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did not confirm a significant effect (p > 0.05) of a traction winch on the soil bulk density (g cm(-3)) and penetration resistance (MPa) in the ruts of the forwarding trails. Mean forwarding trail profile depths ranged from 4.63 to 7.28 cm, with the maximum depths between 10.86 and 17.25 cm, showing deeper ruts in non-assisted areas. Moreover, the presence of the traction winch (p < 0.05) significantly affected the maximal depth of the forwarding trail rut. Conclusion: The findings suggest that winch-assisted harvesting may mitigate soil disturbance (rut depths) on steep slopes, offering a sustainable option for utilizing ground-based machinery with reduced environmental impact.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
40100 - Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/QK22020146" target="_blank" >QK22020146: Guidelines for Water Management on Forest Transportation Network</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2024
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
ISSN
2624-893X
e-ISSN
2624-893X
Volume of the periodical
7
Issue of the periodical within the volume
12.0
Country of publishing house
CH - SWITZERLAND
Number of pages
12
Pages from-to
1-12
UT code for WoS article
001335466800001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-85206382914