Investigation on effects on soil properties of forest harvesting activities (Example of Artvin Forest Sub-District Directorate)

In this study, main aim was to investigate the effects of harvesting activities on some soil properties at two altitudes (1347 m and 1534m). The study was carried out within Artvin Forest Management Directorate of Artvin Forest Management Division in 29 and 30 compartments. Soil samples were taken from harvested areas and adjacent areas. The disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from the depth of 0-15 cm (a total 80 soil samples). Soil texture, pH, organic matter, bulk density, dispersion ratio, aggregate stability clay ratio, hygroscopic moisture measurements were determined. The results showed that at the both altitude, organic matter, clay ratio, aggregate stability, hygroscopic humidity were found lower in the production areas the compared to the control areas while dispersion rate was higher in control area at upper altitude, at production area in lower altitude. As a result of the study, it was seen that the effects of wood harvesting activities were statistically significant at the upper altitude, sand, pH, aggregate stability from soil properties while aggregate stability at the lower altitude.