A survey of trampling effects on vegetation and soil in eight tropical and subtropical sites |
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Authors: | Dan Sun Michael J Liddle |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Australian Environmental Studies, Griffith University, 4111 Nathan, Queensland, Australia;(2) Present address: P.O. Box 210, Q 4883 Atherton, Australia |
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Abstract: | Impacts of recreation, especially of vehicles and walkers, were studied in eight tropical or subtropical public sites in Queensland.
In each site, plant species number, vegetation cover, plant height, and species cover and frequency in untrampled, slightly
trampled, moderately trampled, and heavily trampled areas were counted or measured. Soil penetration resistance and soil organic
matter were also recorded. In two of these eight sites, plant cover, height, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf thickness of
each species were measured. Some species of grass such asCynodon dactylon were present in areas subject to all degrees of trampling impact and some tussock species, particularlyEragrostis tenuifolia andSporobolus elongatus, were only present in trampled areas. Woody plants occurred only on untrampled areas. The number of species and all the vegetative
measurements mentioned above were reduced as wear increased. Plant height was reduced dramatically by even light trampling.
Tall plants appeared to be more sensitive to trampling than short plants. No clear relationship between soil organic matter
content and trampling intensity was found. |
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Keywords: | Trampling Recreation impacts Vegetation Soil |
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