Faithin Omaha eBook Collection

Download or read book Impacts of Biomass Harvesting on Soil Disturbance and Surface Soil Erosion at Seller Creek in Interior British Columbia written by P. R. Commandeur and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Numerous studies have documented the soil disturbance effects of ground-based harvesting systems. Biomass harvesting, in the form of the additional recovery of woody materials normally left on site, has the potential for increasing the levels of soil disturbance. The objective of this study was to document the impact of biomass harvesting by rubber-tired skidders on soils, namely soil disturbance and surface soil erosion. An increase in soil disturbance in the form of skid trails, skidroads, and deep and very deep gouges was observed on the biomass harvested plots compared to the conventionally harvested plots. Erosion bridges indicated more soil movement on the biomass than the conventional plots. Soil erosion volumes trapped behind sediment dams located at the base of the plots were greater on the biomass plots (average of 0.38 m3 over 1.77 years) than on the conventional plots (average of 0.22 m3). However, the unharvested plots also recorded accumulation of material where in fact no mineral soil erosion occurred (average of 0.15 m3). This was the result of vegetation growth and decay and the accumulation of organic matter. Adjusted average erosion values of 0.78 m3/ha/year for the biomass plots and 0.37 m3/ha/year for the conventional plots are comparable to data obtained from studies conducted on clearcut and burned sites in the Oregon Cascades. These erosion figures are considered moderate and numerous site factors help explain this observed response. Rainfall simulation experiments conducted at the site indicated that infiltration rates on skidroads and fireguards are generally greater than 1.5 cm/hour. Rainfall intensities (15 minute duration) that exceed 1.5 cm/hour are expected to occur with a return period of about 1 year at the study site. Spring snow melt rates may exceed infiltration capacities especially along compacted, low infiltration areas such as skidroads. Some overland flow and surface soil erosion is expected to occur elsewhere under similar conditions as those found at the study site. Recommendations are given regarding the measurement techniques used in this study.