FOREST STAND DISRUPTION BY FULLY MECHANIZED LOGGING SYSTEMS IN SPRUCE STANDS

Sustainable forestry supported by the PEFC and FSC certification systems needs to approach logging and skidding operations in an environment-friendly manner. The European Union does not have a unified method for the quantification of damage to forest stands after performed logging operations. The currently implemented individual control methods vary in their methodologies. A duly applied fully mechanized technology can reduce damage to stands. The upper limit of damage to standing trees achievable is 2 % of trees at maximum. The upper limit of soil disturbance can be derived from the root space of Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst) root system and reaches the rut depth of 10 cm.