摘要
Background and aims Physical and chemical soil properties determine local plant conditions and resources, affecting plants’ ability to respond to disturbances. In alpine grasslands, wild boar disturbances occur at different intensities, what may affect differently their soil properties. Alpine soils from five contrasted plant communities were explored within and outside disturbances, accounting for an overall and community scale effect. Additionally, we analysed the effect of disturbance intensity on soil NO3 --N and NH4 -N. Methods Soils were analyzed for physical (bulk density, moisture content and electrical conductivity), and chemical properties (pH, total N and C, oxidizable C, C:N ratio, available K, P, Ca2 , Na and Mg2 ). Resin bags were used to compare the effect of the disturbance occurrence and intensity on soil NO3 --N and NH4 -N. Results Bulk density, total N and NO3 --N concentration were significantly higher in disturbed areas, while soil moisture, C:N, NH4 -N, Na , Mg2 and Ca2 concentrations were significantly lower. However, low disturbance intensity reduced NO3 --N and increased NH4 -N concentrations. Conclusions Wild boar occurrence and intensity strongly alter physical and chemical conditions of alpine soils, increasing soil compaction, and altering the availability of N forms. These changes may affect most plant species, thus affecting the structure and dynamics of alpine plant communities.