• Rachal, J.M.
  Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
  
• Karr, B.L.
  Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
  

Bulk density and pore space distributions were characterized on four sites in the Upper Thick Loess soil resource area of west-central Mississippi before and after operational harvesting under wet and dry conditions on Memphis slit loam. Following harvesting, skidder disturbance was classified into four categories according to rut depth:  undisturbed, tertiary (0-1.5 inches), secondary (1.6-3.0 inches), and primary (>3.1 inches) skid trails. Soils were sampled by disturbance class at 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 inch depths. Soil movement along skid trails was also monitored. Soil physical properties were impacted to a greater degree on areas logged under wet conditions than areas logged when dry. Bulk density was increased a total of 23.3% and 17.6% for wet and dry areas, respectively. Redistribution of pore space was much greater on wet logged areas than areas logged when dry. Rutting depth was significantly correlated to soil movement, indicating increased gullying (soil loss) as rut depth increased. When possible, harvesting operations on this soil type should be planned to occur during dry conditions as wet weather skidding can cause negative alterations in physical properties and greatly increase likelihood of soil loss, both of which can reduce site productivity.