Soil Compaction Due to Wood Harvesting Traffic at Different Extraction Distances

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect on Oxisol soil compaction of traffic by wood harvesting machines from different extraction distances carried out by a logging company located in Paraná State. The harvesting system was composed of a feller buncher, skidder and harvester, in which soil compaction was evaluated at four extraction distances and four depths by means of density, porosity and soil penetration resistance. Increased machine traffic resulted in the highest compaction in the soil surface layers on the extraction trail, with the highest intensity in the region near the edge of the stand and with values above the critical density limits. Soil penetration resistance was critical in the row of traffic over the stand with significant effects at a of 0.11 to 0.60 m, which is the recommended depth for soil preparation.