Characteristics of Soil Structure and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes on Ten-Year Old Skid Trails with and without Black Alders (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.)

Forest soil compaction caused by heavy machines can cause ecosystem degradation, reduced site productivity and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recent studies investigating the plant-mediated alleviation of with black alder showed promising results (Alnus glutinosa). This study aimed to measure recovery GHG fluxes on machine tracks without alders in North-East Switzerland. In 2008, two were created under controlled conditions a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stand sandy loam texture. Directly after compaction, physical parameters measured one track while other was planted alders. Initial topsoil bulk density porosity 1.52 g cm−3 43%, respectively. Ten years later, decrease 1.23 an increase 57% indicated partial structure recovery. Compared untreated track, had no beneficial impact parameters. Elevated cumulative N2O emission (+30%) compared could result from symbiotic nitrogen fixation alder. Overall, CH4 sensitive effects trafficking. We conclude that did not promote compacted it potential deteriorate balance investigated forest stand.