Soil compaction may result in decreased percolation of runoff. Soil displacement can reduce productivity by eliminating potential seedbeds for forest regeneration, especially in locations with shallow surface soils.
Soil nutrients are valuable for vegetative growth.
Cumulative effects to soils are generally caused by repeated entries into the same stands. Particular attention was given to old harvest units completed under past management. Maps of old sale areas and aerial photography were used to locate past harvest units, and the condition of the soil resource was determined through field visits. Skid-trail density was approximated to determine the percent of the area impacted. The anticipated cumulative effects to soil productivity as a result of the proposed project were analyzed by estimating the acreage in the proposed harvest units trafficked by skid trails.