Year 2026, Volume 11, Issue 1
| Year : | 2026 |
| Volume : | 11 |
| Issue : | 1 |
| Authors : | Boban MILETIĆ, Marijana RADULOVIĆ, Todor ĐOREM, Marko GUTALJ, Stefan BOJIĆ, Nemanja BAKMAZ, Branislav FILIPIĆ, Milena STANKOVIĆ NEĐIĆ |
| Title : | RESIDUAL STAND DAMAGE IN SELECTION-CUT MOUNTAIN FORESTS: A COMPARISON OF OXEN AND SKIDDER LOGGING |
| Abstract : | This study examines damage to residual trees and regeneration caused by oxen and skidder skidding in mixed silver fir and Norway spruce selection forests within the mountainous terrain of Han Pijesak, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fieldwork was conducted during summer on two spatially distinct sample plots, with nearly equivalent volumes of coniferous timber marked for felling. Skidding was carried out using an LKT 81 ILT skidder on one plot and oxen on the other. Damage was assessed based on wound size, position, frequency, and distribution across diameter classes, following established classification protocols. Results showed that skidder skidding caused significantly larger bark wounds and a greater proportion of damage in larger diameter classes compared to oxen. For both skidding methods, wounds occurred most frequently at the root collar and along the lower stem. Although oxen skidding resulted in a higher frequency of damage per metre of trail, the injuries were significantly smaller and more uniform in size. Damage distribution closely reflected the species composition and diameter structure of the stands. Fir trees sustained the largest wounds overall, particularly under mechanised skidding. The findings confirm that residual stand damage cannot be entirely avoided. Its severity is shaped by complex interactions among equipment type, stand characteristics, and operational practices. Key mitigation measures include clear marking of skid trails, protection of regeneration cores and high value trees, limiting payload size, and strengthening supervision and contractor accountability. |
| Keywords : | LKT 81 ITL, animal logging, mixed forests, silver fir, norway spruce |
ISSN 2490-3434 (Printed)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
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