Trampling effects on understorey herbs diversity

In this study, we examined understory herb diversity and soil microbial community under varying trampling intensities in a forest scenic area to clarify how understory herb diversity responds to tourism-induced trampling. The results showed that moderate-intensity trampling significantly enhanced the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Pielou evenness index of understory herbs. In contrast, both low- and high-intensity trampling suppressed understory herb diversity.