Recovery of litter layer and physical properties of compacted soil after skidding operations in pure beech forests along an elevation gradient

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

2 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Region, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.392652.1343

Abstract

The variation in litter layer and forest soil characteristics along elevation gradients is a critical factor in restoring degraded soils, as climatic conditions differ across elevations and their effects on litter decomposition and soil changes are not uniform. This study aimed to quantify the recovery of the litter layer and soil physical properties in skid trails after logging and in undisturbed areas along an elevation gradient (700, 900, 1100, 1300, and 1500 m a.s.l.) and under varying traffic intensities (low, moderate, high) in pure beech stands. The investigation was conducted in Parcel No. 114 (Patom District), 212 and 220 (Namkhaneh District), 320 (Gorazbon District) of the Kheyrud Forest in the Golband watershed, and 416–417 (ShivaDareh District) of the Kojour watershed. ANOVA results revealed that the interaction between elevation and traffic intensity significantly affected both the litter layer (thickness, organic carbon, organic nitrogen, C/N ratio, phosphorus, and potassium) and soil physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, and penetration resistance). Despite seven years since skidding operations, neither the litter layer nor soil properties had recovered at any elevation or traffic intensity. The recovery process of the litter layer and soil characteristics along elevation gradients reflects the sensitive interplay between climate, vegetation, and biogeochemical processes. With global warming, understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting ecosystem responses and implementing adaptive management strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 117-131

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