Studies on traffic tolerance of natural recreational turf in Qinghai Province

The traffic tolerance of the natural recreational turf in Qinghai Province was studied through traffic stress experiment. Based on the comprehensive analysis of natural turf with apparent quality, growth performance and chlorophyll content, it could be concluded that the alpine meadow as recreational turf was suitable for light or moderate traffic stress. The resistance of recreational turf to heavy traffic stress was poor. The grasses in the community showed different resistance to traffic stress, in which, Plantago depressa, Agropyron cristatum and Poa crymophila performed stronger traffic tolerance. The dominant species, Potentilla anserin, shown moderate traffic tolerance ability, and the general capacity of traffic resistance of community was decided by this dominant species. Short-term traffic stress had less influence on the soil bulk density and the turf could recover soon. Heavy traffic stress could cause the structure change of the turf community and even the stability of turf ecosystem.