The Impact of Different Carriages on Soil and Trees during Skidding In the Romanian Forests

Abstract

Comprehensive field studies revealed distinct differences in soil structural changes and trees damages by quality and extent, depending on the traffic of wheeled or tracked machines. Tracks are more soil protective on slopes than on flat terrain, although their “compaction” level is somewhat lower than for wheels alone. In this paper, the results of research concerning the damages that were made to the remaining trees located near the skidding tracks, the damages made to the soil and to the litter, and also with regard to the total surface of the stands affected by skidding operations are presented.