Comparison of post-harvest sample designs to assess impact to organic forest soils in eastern Manitoba

Abstract

Five sampling methods were developed, tested, and compared to assess soil impact from harvesting equipment on organic sites in unfrozen condition. This study pointed to the gap in the literature for such a sample design. Suitability for utilization for the methods suggested was based on statistical and operational feasibility. The results from this study suggested situational assessment before choosing a sample design. The five designs within a harvested area included fixed area plots, randomly located transect intercepts, randomly located transect cluster intercepts, and two fixed start transect intercept designs. The fixed area plots recognized the most number of different disturbance types and also introduced the most variance. The random transect intercept method may prove useful and more accurate if implemented differently. The fixed start transect were not statistically justifiable and were investigated to fulfill an industrial mandate survey criteria. For the sites investigated, the plot design yielded the highest resolution of information. Although a complete economic analysis was not undertaken, the plot design may prove one of the most economical. Caution should be exercised when applying these designs to areas other than the study sites.