Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5552/crojfe.2022.1294
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mulching for Reducing Soil Erosion in Skid Trail Switchbacks
Ahmad Solgi
; Department of Forestry Faculty of Natural Resources University of Guilan, Somehsara IRAN
Eric K. Zenner
; Penn State University Department of Ecosystem Science, and Management University Park, PA USA
Ramin Naghdi
; Department of Forestry Faculty of Natural Resources University of Guilan, Somehsara IRAN
Ali Masumian
; University of Applied Science and Technology Tehran 1193653471 IRAN
Ramin Shoja
; University of Applied Science and Technology Tehran 1193653471 IRAN
Farshad Keivan Behjou
; University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Department of Natural Resources Ardabil IRAN
Abstract
Forest operations can lead to increased runoff and soil loss on roads and skid trails. The aim
of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two erosion control treatments applied to
different segments of skid trails following six natural rainfall events. A total of 162 plots 10 m
long by 4 m wide were established in a Hyrcanian deciduous forest to assess soil runoff and
soil loss following ground-based harvesting traffic. The experimental setup consisted of three
levels of traffic intensity (three, eight and 16 skidder passes), two levels of slope gradient (≤20%
and >20%), three classes of curvature (narrow = high deflection angle, 60°–70°; wide = low
deflection angle, 110°–130°, and straight trail segments), and three classes of mulch cover
(bare soil, sawdust cover, and rice straw cover). Each treatment combination was replicated
three times, yielding 972 soil samples. The average surface runoff volume and soil loss differed
significantly between the switchbacks and the straight trail segments and depended strongly
on the degree of curvature, with severity of adverse effects increasing with curve tightness.
Mulch cover treatments had a significant ameliorating effect on the surface runoff volume and
soil loss throughout the skid trail. The average runoff and soil loss from the skid trails treated
with sawdust cover (SC) (0.24 l m-2 (mm) and 0.49 g m-2, respectively) were lower than on
trails covered with rice straw (RSC) (0.45 l m-2 and 1.19 g m-2, respectively), which were, in
turn lower than on untreated bare soil (BS) trail segments (0.70 l m-2 and 2.31 g m-2, respectively).
Surface runoff volume was significantly positively correlated with soil loss and both
were positively correlated with dry bulk density and rut depth and negatively correlated with
litter mass, total porosity, and macroporosity. Surface cover is a successful measure for controlling
erosion losses following skidding disturbances, particularly in the switchback curves of
trails on steep slopes where erosion potential is high.
Keywords
curve angle, rice straw, sawdust, soil compaction, soil loss
Hrčak ID:
290855
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2022.
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