Wpływ zrywki drewna forwarderem Ponsse Gazelle na zwięzłość gleby

The use of forwarders during forest work enabled a significant increase in the efficiency of timber transport from the harvesting site to the place of temporary storage. Due to their efficiency and greater safety compared to older types of machines, a further increase in the use of these machines in Polish forests seems inevitable. The research was carried out in the Gidle Forest District (southern Poland). Measurements were carried out on 5 logging sites, where the wood transportation was carried out using a modified Ponsse Gazelle forwarder. These plots differed one from the other in the type of habitat as well as soil type and moisture. During research 7 transects were established. They were 30 m long each. On each transect changes of soil compactness were determined. The measurement was made before and after each 20 forwader passes. Soil penetration resistance was measured using the Ejkelkamp hand penetrometer. The analyses focused on left rut, right rut and in the middle between wheel ruts. On the examined sites soil samples were taken to determine the moisture changes associated with the machine passes. The statistically significant differences were found in the rate of soil compactness increase depending on the type of soil, and forest stand. Also statistically significant differences were observed in soil moisture between soil in skid trails and area without machine passes.