Trampling can have direct effects on plants e.g. breaking stems and the growing points of some plants, damaging the photosynthetic organs (leaves), damaging above-ground reproductive parts etc., or indirect effects such as soil compaction, with its associated effects (FSC, 2009).

How does trampling affect plant growth and distribution?

It is very tolerant of waterlogging and physical damage due to trampling. Itsseeds which germinate best on open ground. ... Its seeds can germinate amongst other plants. These factors help it to grow in less trampled areas with taller vegetation, where there is more competition to reach the light.

What does trampling do to vegetation?

Vegetation trampling resulting from recreation can adversely impact natural habitats, leading to the loss of vegetation and the degradation of plant communities. ... Intrinsic properties of plant communities appear to be the most important factors determining the response of vegetation to trampling disturbance.