Impatto sul suolo forestale nell’esbosco della legna da ardere. Un caso di studio nell’Italia centrale. (Impact on forest soil in firewood logging operation. A case study in Central Italy).

Several studies investigated the impact caused by forest vehicles on soil which states that during logging operations there are vertical and horizontal stress components with shear forces caused by field trafficking. The soil stress includes also wheel slipping, which induces pronounced shearing processes at the soil surface and a rearrangement of particles detrimental to soil structure. The effects of the passage of mechanical vehicles for logging, causing a certain level of soil compaction may cause effects on the growth stand and natural regeneration on the water infiltration capacity, resulting in runoff of storm water and erosion widespread and localized. The aim of this study was to assess the impact to the soil resulting from the passage of a tractor equipped with bins for the extraction firewood from coppice. In order to understand the effects of different factors, soil compaction was monitored in undisturbed trails and in trafficked trails after several passes and at several tyre pressure levels. The study area, was located on the tuscany Appennines (Union of Mountain Municipalities of Valdarno and Valdisieve). In this area samples of soil were collected soil samples and the bulk density were determined. Finally shear resistance was also measured by means scissometer (GEONOR 72412). In order to make a comparison with a situation not compacted, was also detected a track where the tractor has not gone and in this track the usual soil parameters were measured