Changes in the concentration of CO2 in forest soils resulting from the traffic of logging machines

The aim of the study was to find out whether and how the forest soil compaction resulting from the traffic of forest logging machines results in the increased soil air concentration of CO2, occurring over a longer period of time and in different seasons of the year. Changes in the soil air CO2 concentrations were monitored in two periods: in winter (cold period) and in summer (warm period). CO2 concentrations were measured in compacted and non-compacted soil using a certified measurement. In addition to the soil concentration of CO2, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture content were measured. The research was conducted in the Czech Republic. The obtained data was subjected to statistical analyses (Student's t-test; correlation analysis). The results of the study confirm the long-term influence of soil compaction by the traffic of forest machinery on the CO2 concentration in soil in both seasons (cold and warm). The concentration of CO2 in the air of compacted soil was always significantly higher in both periods than the CO2 concentration in the air of non-compacted soil (control). Thus, the negative influence of soil compaction was clearly demonstrated as a result of a single pass of forestry machines over the soil surface.