Vehicle track damage to salt marsh soil and vegetation at Culbin Sands, NE Scotland

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Abstract
The effects of 3 year old vehicle tracks on salt marsh soil and vegetation within Culbin Sands SSSI on the Moray Firth, Scotland were investigated. Vehicle tracks destroyed the organic layer which was present in the later successional communities. Soil penetration resistance and bulk density were increased, and moisture content and salinity were decreased inside all the tracks, thus soil characteristics were shifted towards those typical of lower marsh zones. Penetration resistance within tracks reached levels which may inhibit root elongation. Vegetation inside tracks remained in earlier successional stages than the surrounding communities, particularly on the lower marsh where recovery may be slowed by repeated disturbance by tidal water. Vegetation on the mid and upper marsh showed less successional shift, but was still changed, being more diverse within the tracks. There was also a significant amount of bare ground within these tracks, which could facilitate erosion. Effects of vehicle tracks thus vary between salt marsh zones, but are damaging wherever they occur; there appears to be no ‘less damaging’ route on which vehicles could be directed.