Human Impacts on Vegetation and Soil of Skiing Area : II. A case study in Hodaiki Skiing Area, North Kanto District, Japan

Abstract

In order to assess the human impact on the vegetation and soil of skiing areas, vegetation and soil surveys were carried out in 1982, at Hodaiki Skiing Area, North Kanto District, Japan. Based on the vegetation surveys, 7 communities (containing 2 lower units) were differentiated as follows ; Forest Castaneto-Quercetum crispulae HORIKAWA et SASAKI Larix leptolepis plantation Semi-natural herbaceous vegetation Sasa kurilensis-Eupatolium chinensis community Artemisia princeps community Picris hieracioides lower unit Typical lower unit Sown pasture Trifolium repens-Plantago asiatica sown pasture Trifolium repens-Dactylis glomerata sown pasture Trifolium repens prantense sown pasture These vegetation units were distributed in the area in accordance with ampritude and quality of human impacts. The stand which was only deforested was covered by Sasa kurilensis-Eupatorium chinensis community. While the bulldozed stands were covered by poor communities such as Trifolium repens-Plantago asiatica community. Soil types were recognized as follows ; Natural soil class Kuroboku soil Woodland phase Cut-over area phase Colluvial phase Artificial truncated phase Artificial soil class Fill soil Artificial immature soil These soil types were closely related to the vegatation units which were formed by various human impact such as deforestation, mowing and bulldozing. Based on above results, a proper use of the grassland communities on skiing area was suggested.