COMPACTION OF AN INCEPTISOL CAUSED BY FOREST EXTRACTION WITH SKIDDER

Abstract

The compaction due to machinery traffic causes damage to the soil that can interfere with the development of the root system of plants, resulting in decreased crop yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Inceptisol compaction caused by Skidder traffic in extraction of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii in secondary extension logging in tire tracks and stems, varying the frequency of tractor traffic. The tire tracks and stems were in the same line of traffic passage earlier, each located in their respective tracks. The study area was located in the municipality of Capão Bonito-SP, in cultivation of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii and samples were obtained from an area without traffic (control) and applications with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Skidder passes in two layers, 0.00 to 0.05 and 0.10 - 0.15 m depth. The results showed that there was additional compaction by each passage of the Skidder, being higher in the layer of 0.00 to 0.05 m depth. Soil compaction was more pronounced under lower water content in the soil, being contrary to the expected.