The effect of trampling on a chalk grassland ecosystem.

Published online
07 Jul 1972
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2402688

Author(s)
Chappell, H. G. & Ainsworth, J. F. & Cameron, R. A. D. & Et Al.

Publication language
English

Abstract

The area, subjected to pressure by pedestrians and vehicles, was divided into 3 zones according to the intensity of wear. Significant differences in the plant populations occurred between zones. Soil mesofauna numbers were generally reduced by pressure. Soil N, P, pH, C/N ratio, FeII-FeIII and NH4-N/NO3-N balance were unaffected by pressure while compaction increased and soil structure deteriorated with wear.

Key words