Vehicle tracks on high arctic tundra: their effects on the soil, vegetation, and soil arthropods

摘要: Examination of the effects vehicle and pedestrian tracks known age (13 or more years) intensity use (single to multiple passages) on vegetation, soil chemistry, arthropods, thaw characteristics, small-scale hydrological changes showed clear inter-related patterns. In general, all tracks, regardless age, small increases in depth beneath them (c. 2.8 cm). Tracks were generally depleted carbon a lesser, but significant extent, potassium phosphorus. Slight NO 3 , NH 4 calcium noted. Magnesium total nitrogen seemed unaffected. On which had suffered passages vegetation cover was significantly reduced. few sites where single recorded, increased through proliferation sedge, Kobresia myosuroides. Abundance arthropods reduced diversity not. most sites, moisture over-ground water flow did not seem affected. Only sedge meadows compression from passage resulted channelling water, removed initiated gulley erosion, serious.