Effects of soil compaction by a forestry machine and slash dispersal on soil N mineralization in Cryptomeria japonica plantations under high precipitation

The use of heavy forestry machines for clear-cutting and site preparation causes soil compaction, which can decrease forest productivity. This process becomes complicated in forests with high levels of precipitation due to the erosion and deposition of surface soil. Here, we investigated how soil compaction and slash dispersal on compacted soil affect soil nitrogen (N) mineralization in a high precipitation area with erodible volcanic soil in southern Japan. The physical and chemical properties of the soil were measured inside and outside the ruts of work roads in the presence and absence of dispersed slash in three Cryptomeria japonica plantations 9–10 months after clear-cutting and site preparation. We found that the soil N mineralization rate, particularly the soil nitrification rate, was lower in compacted soil, but the dispersal of slash after soil compaction enhanced the soil N mineralization and nitrification rates. Soil compaction also led to a low soil water permeability and high volumetric soil water content and was associated with the erosion and deposition of surface soil, with soil deposition including organic matter, being observed under dispersed slash. Additionally, the soil carbon (C) and N concentrations were lower in compacted soil but improved under dispersed slash. Principal component analysis showed that soil compaction and the soil C and N concentrations were closely related to each other on the first principal component (PC1), while the soil C/N ratio was separated from other factors on PC2. Furthermore, the scores of both PC1 and PC2 were related to soil N mineralization. These results suggest that soil compaction by forestry machines has a negative impact on soil N mineralization under high precipitation, but slash dispersal on the compacted soil is an effective approach for maintaining the soil N mineralization. The soil C/N ratio is likely related with N mineralization in the impacted soils, but the negative relationship between soil compaction and soil C and N concentrations through the movement of surface soil containing these elements should also be considered to fully understand the changes in soil N mineralization that occurs in forests under high precipitation.