Kick damage

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Impact damage from ungulates
Prohibition sign according to DIN

Step damage , including representation , occurs when people or animals step on sensitive surfaces. Surfaces and structures are damaged or destroyed by weight forces and the resulting surface pressure.

Step damage in nature

Sensitive soil structures or plant coverings can be endangered, damaged or disturbed by walking on them. Areas sensitive to footfall can be found in almost all nature reserves . Walking on wet meadows , moors , dunes or dry grass should be avoided. As a result of frequent walking, soil compaction occurs , which can damage underground living tunnels for animals or plant roots. In addition, when crossing such areas, plant communities are directly damaged; due to mechanical stress, plant parts are broken off or immediately trodden on.

Step damage by animals is mainly caused where hoofed animals stay regularly and for long periods of time. Other animals can also cause damage when stepped on, for example, trodden hippos are gradually deepened by the rainwater running off them and can therefore have an impact on the landscape. The best known are the succession of the large herds of animals living in the savannahs and steppes. Animal trails in the African savannas can often be seen on aerial photographs that approach waterholes.

Step damage can promote soil erosion . Typical is erosion as a result of subsidence in the vicinity of salt licks in mountainous areas. Salt licks are often located on steep slopes, so that under the heavy footsteps by bighorn sheep , mountain goats or ibexes, erosion can increase significantly. Damage to legal representation in mountains, so-called cattle gangling , is largely due to overgrazing by domestic sheep and domestic cattle .

Protection against damage caused by footsteps can take on an element that shapes the landscape. Hedge forms such as Knicks or Redder , which are particularly typical for northern Germany, were created to protect the valuable arable land from grazing cattle. Hedges also had this function in the ash corridors , which are typical of the Münsterland .

See also: browsing , stepping plant societies

Step damage in technology

Step damage also occurs in technology . Sensitive machine parts, sheet metal covers, wings or glass surfaces are examples of sensitive surfaces. Warning signs and safety instructions should be observed, especially in the technical area, since failure to comply could result in injury or death.