The Impact of Tourist Traffic on the Condition and Cell Structures of Alpine Swards

Abstract

This research focuses on the effect of trampling on vegetation in high-mountain ecosystems through the electromagnetic spectrum's interaction with plant pigments, cell structure, water content and other substances that have a direct impact on leaf properties. The aim of the study was to confirm with the use of fluorescence methods of variability in the state of high-mountain vegetation previously measured spectrometrically. The most heavily visited part of the High Tatras in Poland was divided into polygons and, after selecting the dominant species within alpine swards, a detailed analysis of trampled and reference patterns was performed. The Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) FieldSpec 3/4 were used to acquire high-resolution spectral properties of plants, their fluorescence and the leaf chlorophyll content with the difference between the plant surface temperature (ts), and the air temperature (ta) as well as fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) used as reference data. The results show that, along tourist trails, vegetation adapts to trampling with the impact depending on the species. A lower chlorophyll value was confirmed by a decrease in fluorescence, and the cellular structures were degraded in trampled compared to reference species, with a lower leaf reflectance. In addition, at the extreme, trampling can eliminate certain species such as Luzula alpino-pilosa, for which significant changes were noted due to trampling.

In Situ Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Monitoring of Alpine Trampled and Recultivated Species

“…In subsequent years, for the purpose of their verification, chlorophyll (CCI) and accumulated energy (fAPAR) measurements in the area of Kasprowy Peak and the surrounding area were added to broaden the scope to verification [33]. Next, in order to check the methodology, the research was transferred to another TPN area-the Red Peaks, where the obtained test results were verified, and the methods were extended by applying chlorophyll fluorescence measurements to check what actual damage occurs during plant trampling [34].…”

“…Assessing vegetation trampling has developed over several years [32][33][34][35] focusing on new verification methods as well as the application of research by park employees. The current paper presents an analysis based on field studies, with an emphasis on recultivated areas; not previously measured.…”

Classification of Expansive Grassland Species in Different Growth Stages Based on Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data

“…Remote sensing offers many possibilities for vegetation research, from condition analysis [13][14][15][16][17] to land use/land cover mapping including plant species or community identification [18][19][20]. The electromagnetic spectrum covering the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) ranges is the most commonly used one for the analysis of vegetation [21].…”

Feasibility of hyperspectral vegetation indices for the detection of chlorophyll concentration in three high Arctic plants: Salix polaris, Bistorta vivipara, and Dryas octopetala

“…Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins absorb photons of light in the visible range. In infrared, reflection depends on the plant's cellular structures [6], its water concentration [7], its chemical components [8], leaf thickness [9], roughness of leaf surface and canopy [10], the physiological age and arrangement of leaves [11], habitat exposure, solar radiation, phonological period, and various types of diseases and vegetation damage [12]. VIS and NIR wavelengths play an important role in the identification of pigments, e.g., chlorophylls, xanthophylls, and carotenoids.…”