Browsing by Author "Özer Genç Ç."

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Developing a Harvest Plan by Considering the Effects of Skidding Techniques on Forest Soil Using a Hybrid TOPSIS-Entropy Method
(2022-06-01) Özer Genç Ç.; Arlcak B.
The aim of this study was to evaluate skidding techniques, which result in minimal damage to the soil, depending on the slope and stand type. Thus, three skidding techniques with tractor for harvesting (suspended skidding [SS], using a skidding cone [SC], and cable-pulling [CP]) were used in six different study sites and the variations in soil properties were examined at three different slopes (0%-20%, 20%-33%, >33%), 2 different stand types (A, B), and 2 different soil depths (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm). Soil bulk density, soil organic matter, soil compaction, organic carbon (C), and total nitrogen (N) were determined. The Entropy and TOPSIS methods were used among the multiple-criteria decision-making methods for six different coniferous stands. With the combination of the Entropy and TOPSIS methods, we found that slope was an important factor in determining the preferred skidding technique. Suspended skidding was seen as the preferred method of skidding technique in the 0-20% slope group. For the 20%-33% slope group, the usability of the three methods varied depending on stand type and soil depth, whereas the technique using a skidding cone was found to be the preferred skidding technique in the > 33% slope group.
Technical efficiency evaluation of forest roads with respect to topographical factors and soil characteristics
(2018-01-01) Aricak B.; Özer Genç Ç.
Forest roads are usually single-lane roads built to unique technical standards with the purposes of accessing to forests and performing forestry in addition to other activities. With this study, in Karacaoren Forest Sub-District Directorate, evaluation of technical efficiency which consists of different variables of forest roads by scoring system was aimed to allow the function of the forest roads to be optimally performed over long time periods. Eleven different variables were evaluated to determine the technical efficiency of the forest roads in the study; these variables are the following: the road platform width, ditch width (condition), road expansion in curves and hairpin turns, superstructure, culvert condition, road-shadow condition, cut-fill slope stability, platform degradation, road inclination, and growth of plants on the road platform (the presence of bushy plants). The technical efficiency for each 100 m section of the forest roads was firstly evaluated in case area using the variables. Forest roads that the efficiency status was determined according to technical standards were recorded in the ArcGIS database. Finally, effects of topography (the slope, aspect) and soil characteristics on the technical efficiency variables were analyzed and mapped using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Our results showed that the “ditch width (condition)” and “platform width” variables were mostly not suitable accord-ing to the standards and the “plant growth” and “fill side slope stabilization” variables on the road platform were in good condition. The slope of the study area had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the platform width, while the aspect of the study area had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the ditch condition, the platform degradation condition, and the plant growth on the road platform. In general, the soil depth had some impact (p < 0.05) on the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the plant growth on the road platform. The soil stoniness also affected (p < 0.05) the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the plant growth on the road platform. However, the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the platform degradation condition were all affected (p < 0.05) by erosion in the study area. Based on these results it concluded that the forest roads should be planned in sunny areas with slopes less than 51%, on “shallow soils” with “little stony” stoniness, and with “none to very little” erosion levels.