Effects of terracing afforestation with Pinus sylvestris L. on the physical soil properties in the Iberian Range of Soria

Abstract

The methodology previously used to study the afforestations by terraces with Pinus sylvestris L. in Castilla y León is extended in this paper to study in more detail the impact on physical soil properties of the afforestations by terraces with Scots pine in the northern area of the Iberian Range of Soria. The values of soil parameters are obtained from 5 profile types: non-afforested, next to the cutting, next to the embankment, between terraces and in Scots pine mature stands, located in seven plot series, and then compared. The soil parameters are evaluated as follows: fine earth, sand, silt and clay, both in the whole profile and in the upper layer of the profile, permeability, equivalent moisture and water holding capacity of the soil profile, and erodibility. After 16-17 years, no significant changes have occurred in the physical properties that define the soil habitat of the Pinus sylvestris in Spain. Significant fine particle retention, nonoutstanding decrease of permeability, considerable improvement of water holding capacity, no increase of erodibility and progress toward ecological conditions similar to the soils with mature stands are detected, with values within those of the present central habitat of the species in Spain. Regarding to the changes in the soil physical properties, this method result appropriate for afforesting with Pinus sylvestris the above-mentioned region.