Soil responses to human recreational activities in a blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.) shrubland
Citation
Simon A Lei, Soil responses to human recreational activities in a blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.) shrubland: .
Summary
Soil responses to human trampling, biking, and off-road motor vehicle traffic were quantitatively investigated in a blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.) shrubland in Kyle Canyon of the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada. Soil compaction, bulk density, and temperature increased significantly, while soil moisture, organic matter, and percent pore space (macropore) decreased in disturbed (compacted) areas compared to adjacent undisturbed areas. Among disturbed soils, motor vehicle trails and parking lots had a significantly greater compaction, higher bulk density, and a lower percent pore space compared to human hiking/biking trails. Water infiltration and area of water spread (surface water runoff) were an interactive function of [...]
Summary
Soil responses to human trampling, biking, and off-road motor vehicle traffic were quantitatively investigated in a blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.) shrubland in Kyle Canyon of the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada. Soil compaction, bulk density, and temperature increased significantly, while soil moisture, organic matter, and percent pore space (macropore) decreased in disturbed (compacted) areas compared to adjacent undisturbed areas. Among disturbed soils, motor vehicle trails and parking lots had a significantly greater compaction, higher bulk density, and a lower percent pore space compared to human hiking/biking trails. Water infiltration and area of water spread (surface water runoff) were an interactive function of disturbance type and landform (terrace and slope). When examining disturbance type and landform factors independently, significant differences were detected in all of the measured soil moisture characteristics. Results of this study revealed that soil compaction led to increased soil bulk density and surface-water runoff, along with decreased macropore and water infiltration into the soil in Kyle Canyon of southern Nevada.
Published in Proceedings RMRS-P-47: Shrubland dynamics, fire and water, on pages 112 - 116, in 2007.
