Natural Resources Governance

Natural Resources Governance

Sustainable Governance of Hyrcanian Forests; Mitigation of Harvesting-induced Disturbance Impacts on Forest Soil

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 1. Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural resources, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural resources, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Sustainable governance of Hyrcanian forest soils requires a precise understanding of the consequences of harvesting operations on the soil ecosystem. This study investigated the mid-term effects (7, 10, 15, and 20 years post-harvest) of skidding operations on soil physical and chemical properties under various traffic intensities (low, medium, high, and log landings) in the Kheyrud Forest, northern Iran. Soil physical properties, including bulk density, porosity, penetration resistance, moisture content, and texture, along with chemical properties such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, and pH, were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results indicated that bulk density and penetration resistance were significantly higher in skid trails compared to undisturbed control areas, whereas porosity and moisture content significantly decreased. Furthermore, organic carbon and total nitrogen declined in skid trails, and trafficked areas exhibited increased acidity (lower pH). PCA results confirmed that soil compaction indicators were negatively correlated with soil moisture, carbon, nitrogen, and pH, while positively correlated with traffic intensity and time since harvest. These indicators were identified as the primary factors distinguishing disturbed from undisturbed forest soils. Although signs of recovery were evident after two decades, soil conditions in heavily trafficked trails had not yet returned to control levels. These findings underscore the necessity of integrated, ecosystem-based governance. Developing technical standards to minimize traffic, utilizing low-ground-pressure machinery, scheduling operations based on soil moisture conditions, and ensuring the active involvement of operators are essential strategies for the long-term sustainable management of forest ecosystems.
Keywords

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