Powers says two key factors in soil productivity are porosity and organic matter. Mechanical disturbance of soil reduces its porosity and can degrade productivity, depending on climate and soil type. Twelve Tips for Protecting Soils Minimize soil-disturbing activities on steep slopes and soils prone to erosion. Use low-impact machinery and operating techniques. Avoid repeated use of main skid trails.
Lift logs off soil as much as is feasible.
Leave slash in place if trees can be reestablished without removal. Avoid mechanical windrowing to leave topsoil and organic matter in place. Operate machinery on snow or when soils are either dry or frozen. Operate machinery and haul logs along the contours rather than up or down slopes. Keep prescribed-burn intensities low and durations short.