The Effects of Organic Mulches on Water Erosion Control for Skid Trails in the Hyrcanian Mixed Forests

Abstract

Ground-based skidding can lead to severe soil disturbance by increasing surface water flow and soil erosion. Organic mulches have been shown to be effective in contrasting this type of soil disturbance, although the cost/benefit aspect has yet to be studied. This study, by installing runoff sample plots, aims to elucidate the effects of litter (LM) and sawdust (SM) mulches with three application rates (litter: 7.6 Mg ha−1 LM7.6, 14.6 Mg ha−1 LM14.6, 22.5 Mg ha−1 LM22.5; sawdust: 5.3 Mg ha−1 SM5.3, 11.4 Mg ha−1 SM11.4, 16.7 Mg ha−1 SM16.7) on runoff, soil, and nutrient loss (nitrate and phosphate) in skid trails established in the Hyrcanian forest. The results were also compared to the undisturbed area (UND) and to an untreated skid trail (UNT). The results showed that both litter and sawdust mulch significantly decreased runoff, soil loss, and nitrate and phosphate loss. The values of runoff, runoff coefficient, soil loss, NO3, and PO4 were at the highest level in the untreated skid trails (UNTs). The runoff, runoff coefficient, soil loss, NO3, and PO4 gradually decreased as the application rate of both the litter (LM) and sawdust (SM) mulches increased. According to the results, it is possible to conclude that the mulch application rates of 7.6–14.6 Mg ha−1 and 5.3–11.4 Mg ha−1 for litter and sawdust mulch, respectively, can be applied to maintain soil and water conservation after logging operations on skid trails. The obtained findings can help to shape specific best-management practices for the implementation of sustainable forest operations in the context of the study area, by indicating suitable mulch types and application rates to decrease the negative effects of erosion.

Performance And Adoptability Of Mulching Technology To Control Soil Erosion: Case Study Of The Sebeya Catchment In Rwanda

“…Field experiments across different terrains have shown that organic mulches effectively reduce soil detachment and erosion rates, promoting soil stability and improving overall soil health (Parhizkar et al, 2021;Wu et al, 2022). Firstly, inorganic mulches, including materials like plastic sheeting, gravel, and geotextiles, have shown promising results in reducing soil erosion by forming physical barriers that impede water runoff and limit soil movement (Tibash et al, 2023).…”

Evaluating the Effectiveness and Adoptability of Mulching Technology to Control Soil Erosion: Case Study of the Nyabugogo Catchment in Rwanda

“…Organic mulches such as crop residues, straw, and grass help to protect the soil by reducing soil detachment and erosion rates, while also improving soil moisture and stability (Kavian et al, 2020;Solgi et al, 2022). On the other hand, inorganic mulches such as plastic sheeting, gravel, and geotextiles act as physical barriers that minimize runoff and soil movement (Tibash et al, 2023). Living mulches, which include cover crops and perennial vegetation, offer erosion control by providing continuous soil cover and root binding, which enhances infiltration and stabilizes soil aggregates (Neri et al, 2021).…”