Assessment of soil compaction and rutting in managed forests through an airborne <scp>LiDAR</scp> technique

Abstract To ensure sustainable forest management, the assessment and monitoring of soil compaction rutting are essential. Here, we used airborne light detection ranging‐derived digital terrain model (LiDAR‐derived DTM), available for Compiègne in northern France, to compute a spatial index rutting. Following an environmental systematic sampling design, selected 45 plots representative stand conditions where subsequently extracted information from DTM cumulative length ruts (CLR). assess quality this LiDAR‐derived index, related CLR in‐situ vegetation parameters such as texture, pH, understory plant species composition. Floristic surveys were carried out across all generate response curves along gradient. We found type, pH be important determinants CLR. For instance, was highest soils with clay content. A total 22 94 analyzed showed significant curve Most important, occurrence probability associated wet stagnant waters (e.g., Juncus effusus ), like those ruts, increased Other dry Hedera helix ) negative In conclusion, proposed (CLR) has proven useful remotely after logging operations.