Forest ecosystem responses to artificially induced soil compaction. I. Soil physical properties and tree diameter growth

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Abstract
Soil and vegetation responses to artificially imposed surface compaction and the effects of bark mulch on these responses were monitored for a 5-year period within a Quercusalba L. – Quercusvelutina Lam. – Quercusrubra L. forest growing on a loamy sand in northwestern Vermont. Compaction resulted in significant changes in vegetation and soil physical properties. Soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance, surface soil moisture, and soil temperature increased following compaction; infiltration capacity and the radial growth of Acerrubrum L. and Q. velutina decreased. Application of bark mulch prior to compaction tended to reduce compaction effects. Postcompaction additions of bark mulch did not result in noticeable amelioration of compaction-induced changes 2 years after application.