Markku Nylund , Antti Haapanen, Seppo Kellomäki, Liisa Nylund

Deterioration of forest ground vegetation and decrease of radial growth of trees on camping sites.

Nylund M., Haapanen A., Kellomäki S., Nylund L. (1979). Deterioration of forest ground vegetation and decrease of radial growth of trees on camping sites. Silva Fennica vol. 13 no. 4 article id 5052. https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.a14909

Abstract

The ground cover vegetation and tree growth at several camping sites in Southern Finland were investigated. The deterioration of ground vegetation appeared to be unavoidable in these areas, and only a few grass species were tolerant to heavy trampling. Only moderate deterioration was, however, detected when the trampling level was lower than 10,000–15,000 user days. On the other hand, the ground cover was completely destroyed when the trampling level exceeded 100,000 user days. A considerable decrease in radial growth appeared to be associated with destruction of the ground vegetation. The decrease was abrupt and was found to continue throughout the whole period of use. After ten years’ use the growth in the trampled areas was 35% lower than that that of the untrampled areas. A further decrease in radial growth is expected in the future. 

The PDF includes a summary in Finnish. 

Keywords
tree growth; ground vegetation; trampling; campsite; grass

Published in 1979

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Available at https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.a14909 | Download PDF