Succession after Disturbance of a New Zealand High-Alpine Cushionfield

Abstract

Secondary succession was observed following road-making disturbance of high-alpine cushionfield in New Zealand. After 11 yr there was 34% cover, compared to 59% in adjacent undisturbed vegetation, but the species composition was far different. Because of this, it was not possible to predict future succession from the transitions already observed. Tussocks of the grass Poa colensoi were accumulating wind-blown soil, but there was no evidence that soil nutrients had changed following disturbance. The undisturbed vegetation remained stable over the period.