Influence of improving materials of forest roads on the surrounding environment

Abstract

Ensuring the efficiency of forest management and the availability of landscape areas requires a quality transport network. However, any structure and its subsequent use generally contributes to a certain disruption of surrounding ecosystems, soil degradation, erosion and changes in vegetation. The presented study analyzes the effects and impacts of the five types of improving materials used to improve the load-bearing capacity of low-volume roads. Two basic types of analyses were performed: the classification of mechanical properties of soil for determining fine clay particle proportions and the chemical testing for pH and carbonate determination. The samples were always collected at three distances from the roadside, at two height levels and in two years: 2012 and 2017. The aim of the study was to quantify the effects of improving materials on the pH changes as well as the carbonate levels, and to compare their changes over the course of five years. Also, we have highlighted the possibilities of “biological tools” (vegetation) to control and minimize the impact of human activities. Vegetative control, or phytoremediation, increases soil resistance to erosion, improves water retention in a landscape and maintains the original balance. It seems to be an effective tool for reduction of the impact of pavement construction materials and technologies on the surrounding environment.