The effect of trampling on a chalk grassland ecosystem.

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, Fe^II-Fe^III and NH₄-N/NO₃-N balance were unaffected by pressure while compaction increased and soil structure deteriorated with wear.

Key words

• carbon-nitrogen ratio
• chalk
• compaction
• ecosystems
• grasslands
• soil fauna
• soil structure
• structure
• trampling
• vehicles