Effect of forest roads on variability of soil fertility parameters (case study: Kheyroud Forest, Nowshahr)

This study aimed to investigate effect of forest roads on amount of soil elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH in the Caspian Forest of Iran. For this purpose, main and secondary forest roads were chosen in second district in Kheyroud forest. 16 transects (8 transects in the main roads and 8 transects in the secondary roads) was established with 100 meters length from roadside into the forest interior. Four plots established at 0, 5, 60 and 100 m distances. The amount of nitrogen, according to the Tukey test, in the main roads and cut slope, was significant in the 60 and 100 m distances and their values were more than 0 distance. However in the edge of secondary roads, there was a significant difference, in both cut and fill slope and its value is less than other distances. Phosphorus only in roadside and on the down slope of the main road was significantly more than 100 m and there was no significant difference for potassium at different distances of the main and the secondary roads, cut and down slopes. pH, in 0 m distance had a significant difference and its value was more than other distances in the main and the secondary roads. The results showed that changes due to soil disturbance caused by road construction affect chemical elements of soil and pH, so that is necessary to reduce degree of destruction and disturbance in road construction as much as possible, with respect to technical principle and following the nature.