Reduction in soil water availability and tree transpiration in a forest with pedestrian trampling

Many studies have reported tree growth reduction in forests with pedestrian trampling, implying a reduction of tree transpiration in such forests. We undertook observations of tree transpiration based on the heat-pulse method in a forest (Lithocarpus edulis) with pedestrian trampling. We prepared trampled and control plots in the forest. Tree transpiration in the trampled plot was reduced compared to that in the control plot after precipitation with a small-precipitation period preceding this. No difference was observed between plots in the small-precipitation period itself; during which tree transpiration was limited in both plots. After the period, tree transpiration recovery was not as complete in the trampled plot as in the control plot. This was caused by incomplete soil matric potential recovery at 20 cm and deeper in the trampled plot due to a lower infiltration rate. We believe this study is the first to report reduction of tree transpiration in a forest with pedestrian trampling.