The Effect of Harvesting Activities on Soil Compaction, Root Damage, and Suckering in Colorado Aspen

Logging activities cause significant compaction on skid trails in commercial aspen harvest areas. Bulk density increases have persisted up to 12 yr following harvest. Compaction of the upper 0.2 m of an undisturbed mineral soil profile increased with each succeeding pass of a tractor where later passes contributed less to the total compaction effect. Compaction effects were similar under wet soil conditions. High organic matter content in the upper mineral soil profile may have decreased the magnitude of compaction effects. Root damage can occur without apparent disruption of the soil profile, especially to fine roots and those in saturated soils. West. J. Appl. For. 8(2):62-66.