Cathleen Ascalic
Institute of Agricultural Technology
Bundesallee 47
38116 Braunschweig
Phone: +49 531 596 4102/ 4103
Fax: +49 531 596 4199
at@thuenen.de
Joint project: investigation and assessment of soil functions and derivation of solution strategies for a soil-protective timber harvest; Subproject 2: soil physical data and measuring sensors
In modern highly mechanized timber harvesting, vehicle mass has been steadily increasing for decades. Heavy vehicles increase the performance of logging and make it possible to meet the growing demand for wood. Due to the increasing days of use, however, unfavorable soil conditions can impair soil functions.
How does this affect, and what are the solution strategies for a soil-conserving timber harvest?
The heavier the machines used in the forest, the more they stress the forest ecosystem. The direct interaction between the vehicle and the ground can change the functionality of the soil / soil functions. In order to assess this, a combined consideration of soil physical and soil biological indicators is required, which the Thünen Institute of Agricultural Technology compiles and evaluates in cooperation with the Northwest German Forestry Research Institute (NW-FVA) and the Niedersächsisches Forstplanungsamt (NFP). The parameters are set in relation to the key indicator "lane depth" because the lane depth can be visually and thus easily raised for the driver. From the cause-effect chain "driving - soil properties - soil functions", ecological guard rails can finally be derived as decision-making aid for practical applications. The findings will also be integrated into a future concept, from which a prognosis model for the driveability of forest soils will be created. Meteorological data should also be included in this hazard map for the trafficability of forest soils.
In addition, the development of a limit value transmitter is driven forward to avoid costly hand measurements and to support the workflow during the cutting operations.
Science and research, forest and soil research community, forestry enterprises and associations, forestry consultants, education, politics.
6.2017 - 8.2022
Projekt type:
Project funding number: 22014616
Funding program: FNR
Project status:
ongoing