> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://2025.istvs.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://2025.istvs.org/submissions/papers/4417.md). # 4417 - THE STATUS OF SOIL PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES TWO YEARS AFTER DEFORESTATION IN A MILITARY TRAINING AREA {% hint style="info" %} Paper presented at ISTVS 2025 | 55th Conference of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems {% endhint %} **Authors:** *Kersti Vennik, Tõnu Tõnutare* **Keywords:** Soil shear strength; Cone index; Trafficability; Soil chemical elements **Abstract:** Military training areas are unique in their function and usage. These areas must endure intensive and repeated movement of wheeled and tracked military vehicles, as well as dismounted troops. Depending on the training requirements of defense forces, military training areas can undergo rapid land-use changes. For instance, when new firing ranges or maneuvering grounds are needed, forests may be cleared to create open areas. Deforestation has a significant impact on soil properties. Logging and uprooting activities displace soil layers and alter soil structure. The primary goal of training land managers is to restore the usability of deforested areas as quickly as possible, making the restoration of disturbed ground a key focus. The objective of this study was to assess the status of soil physical properties, chemical composition, and trafficability conditions two years after deforestation. As deforestation contributes to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, it plays a significant role in climate change. A key objective of this study was to evaluate changes in soil CO₂ levels following deforestation. Measurements were conducted in 2020 at a military training ground in northern Estonia. The study included bulk density and moisture content measurements, as well as the determination of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Cone Index (CI) values for both disturbed and undisturbed areas. The plant-available nutrient content (P, K, Mg, Ca) was determined using the ammonium acetate-lactate (AL) method. Soil carbon and nitrogen content were measured using the Dumas method. Measurement results are presented, highlighting the effects of disturbance and recovery on soil properties. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://2025.istvs.org/submissions/papers/4417.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.