The role of wild red deer on soil physical properties in a Mediterranean ecosystem: insights from a Portuguese mountain
Fernanda GARCIA , António ALVES DA SILVA , José Paulo SOUSA , Joana ALVES
Integrative Zoology ›› 2025, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (1) : 215 -222.
The role of wild red deer on soil physical properties in a Mediterranean ecosystem: insights from a Portuguese mountain
In this study we aimed to assess the role of wild red deer, along with other ungulates such as roe deer and wild boar, in the soil’s physical properties, namely soil penetration resistance and depth (used as a proxy for soil compaction), hydraulic conductivity (a proxy for water infiltration), and the proportion of soil stable aggregates. Results showed that, at the density level found in our study area, red deer have a neutral effect at the soil level, not causing significant soil compaction or significantly influencing measured soil functions.
aggregate stability / red deer / soil compaction / soil physical properties / water infiltration
2024 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
/
| 〈 |
|
〉 |
PDF
