Disturbance and Recovery of Trampled Montane Grassland and Forests in Montana

摘要

The study examined the response of five forested vegetation types and one grassland in western Montana to experimental trampling. Changes in vegetation cover, number of species, exposure of mineral soil, and soil penetration resistance were examined, as were the responses of individual species. Trampling treatments ranged from 0 to 1,600 passes per year along trampling lanes and were administered for three successive seasons. Subsequent recovery was followed for 3 years.