Reindeer grazing changes plant roots in pine forests

Reindeer grazing changes plant roots in pine forests

Reindeer grazing changes the vegetation of northern pine forests below ground as well as above it. In a recent study in Finland, trees and understory vegetation in grazed forests had nearly 30% less shallow-root biomass than those in ungrazed areas. Root structure also changed, which may affect the ability of plants to take up water and nutrients. The research is published in the journal Oikos.

Reindeer grazing reduces roots in three Finnish pine forests

A three-site Finnish field study found nearly 30% less shallow-root biomass in reindeer-grazed pine forests, along with shorter, thicker and less-branched roots.