RELATIONSHIP OF BESERAH SOIL ON PHYSICAL AND MOISTURE PRONE TO EROSION IN TROPICAL LOGGED-FOREST

The influence of forest operations on forest soil and water continues to be an issue of concern in forest management. The availability of water in the soil is always depending on soil characteristics, plant species that cover the land surface and amount of radiation that reach the surface. Soil physical characteristics and moisture content has direct relationship and the source of water influences the saturation levels. Beserah Series has a loose soil structure characteristic. Hence, its moisture retention capacity is low and the soil cohesion and adhesion are low too. Soil moisture contents were measured at various depths ranging from 20 to 80 cm below the ground. The Automatic Weather Station (AWS) with soil moisture probe was used to measure the soil moisture directly at the site. Four moisture sensors tubes were installed at 2 meters intervals at each location in the open canopy area. Two upper soil layers of the study site hold less than 2 % of soil moisture. Soil textures below 40 cm contain more than 30 % clay and hold moisture over 15 %, getting more stable downward. Soil moisture has coefficient relationship with temperature and wind in all depths respectively. However, the moisture sometimes relies on pressure and wind in the depth of 0 to 40 cm.