The Influence of Trampling on the Growth of ophiopogon Japonicus

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to clarify the influence of human trampling on the growth of dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus Ker. forma nanus hort.). Five experimental plots were set up according to trampling frequencies as follows; the control plot (untrampled), I plot (trampled once every 3 days), II plot (trampled once a day), III plot (trampled 3 time a day) and IV plot (trampled 10 time a day). One hundred plants of dwarf mondo grass were planted in each plot on May 23; trampling was started on July 2 and continued until Dec. 2, and all the plants were dug up on Dec. 3, 1982.
The number of leaves per plant at planting was 22, and at harvest, the numbers were 48 in the control plot, 36 in I and II plots, 32 in III plot and 21 in IV plot. Top dry weight and root dry weight per plant at planting were presumed 0.30g and 0.56g respectively, and at harvest, they were 0.59g and 1.57g in the control plot, 0.45g and 1.29g in I plot, 0.45 g and 0.97g in II plot, 0.39g and 0.74g in III plot and 0.27g and 0.60g in IV plot. Other growth indices, such as leaf length, root length and the number of daughter plants also decreased, as the trampling frequency was higher. In conclusion, dwarf mondo grass could tolerate trampling of 3 or less times a day and grow to cover the ground, but it couldn't grow when it was trampled 10 times a day.