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  1. Susceptibility of volcanic ash-influenced soil in northern Idaho to mechanical compaction

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    Author(s): Deborah S. Page-Dumroese
    Date: 1993
    Source: Res. Note INT-409. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 5 p
    Publication Series: Research Note (RN)
    Station: Intermountain Forest Experiment Station
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.2737/INT-RN-409
    PDF: View PDF  (631 KB)

    Description

    Timber harvesting and mechanical site preparation can reduce site productivity if they excessively disturb or compact the soil. Volcanic ash-influenced soils with low undisturbed bulk densities and rock content are particularly susceptible. This study evaluates the effects of harvesting and site preparation on changes in the bulk density of ash-influenced forest soils in northern Idaho. Three different levels of surface organic matter were studied. Soil samples were taken before and after harvesting to determine the extent and depth of compaction. Soil bulk densities increased significantly aR.er extensive compaction from site preparation, especially when little logging slash and surface organic matter were left on the aoil surface. As site preparation intensity increased, bulk density increased significantly at greater depths in the soil profile. Although ash-influenced soils have naturally low bulk densities, they can easily be compacted to levels that limit growth. This experimental site has been designated as part of the Forest Service’s national long-term site productivity study into the impacts of organic matter depletion and soil compaction on stand development.

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    Citation

    Page-Dumroese, Deborah S. 1993. Susceptibility of volcanic ash-influenced soil in northern Idaho to mechanical compaction. Res. Note INT-RN-409. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 5 p.

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    Keywords

    bulk density, forest productivity, ash-cap soils, logging, logging effects, soil density, site preparation

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