A new approach to map-based monitoring of logging-induced changes in soil penetration resistance

Soil compaction, indirectly indicated by measuring soil penetration resistance, is a significant problem in forest areas due to the use of mechanized heavy equipment in forestry operations. This study aimed to investigate and map soil penetration resistance caused by ground skidding. Ground skidding was performed using small-scale logging equipment, specifically an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). In this study, soil compaction was examined by measuring soil penetration resistance. Measurements were conducted at nine different depths, ranging from 0–40 cm at 5 cm intervals and after different numbers of vehicles passes (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20). The measurement of penetration resistance considered three zones: the left wheel zone, the skidding zone, and the right wheel zone. The results indicated that the amount of penetration resistance increased with soil depth in all three zones between the time before skidding (BS) began and after five passes. However, no clear trend in the amount of penetration resistance was observed when compared with the other pass differences. In addition, it was concluded that the soil penetration resistance exceeded 2 MPa, considered to prevent development of roots, already after the first five passes. The study also indicated that this mapping technique can be utilized for the long-term monitoring of soil penetration resistance studies and to assess forestry practices.