Pile movement and nutrient distribution in the soil around slash piles produced during whole-tree logging by a yarder and a processor

After mechanized whole-tree harvesting at a clear cutting site, using a cable yarding system and a processor, piles of slash remain at the landing areas near roads. This study examined the movement of slash piles and their effect on soil nutrients in the ground below the pile. The profile of one pile was measured for three years. In order to investigate nutrient concentrations, soil was sampled at two sites. The volume of the pile decreased by 6% per year. Piles placed on convex or uniform hillsides are stable, and have a low risk of sliding on a slope. Analysis of the water-soluble nutrients in the soil suggests that water carries nutrients from the pile into the soil up toca. 7 m from the pile. There is a reduction in soil acidity, and rainwater flow from the pile adds several minerals to the soil, particularly Ca. Slash in a pile on a convex or uniform hillside does not have any impact on a forest, either positively or negatively. We should try to return slash to stands or utilize it as a biomass resource. This study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid of Scientific Research (No. 09660164) from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, of Japan.