Ungulate responses to the addition of silicate rock powder in acidified oak ( Quercus robur ) forests at the Veluwe, the Netherlands

Abstract Introduction Addition of silicate rock powder (SRP) is an increasingly used measure to restore vegetation and fauna on acidified mineral‐poor soils in protected areas. In theory, however, the positive effects of SRP addition on vegetation may be offset by grazing and browsing ungulates attracted to higher‐quality forage. Objectives This study aimed to determine whether SRP addition to acidified old oak ( Quercus robur ) forests attracts foraging ungulates in the short term. Methods We measured wildlife activity within an SRP‐addition experiment established at nine Quercus robur forests at the Veluwe, the Netherlands, 3 years after SRP application. Each site had three 0.5‐ha plots: one with addition of volcanic SRP, one with addition of metamorphic SRP, and one control. We used camera trapping to quantify foraging by four ungulate species: wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ), and European fallow deer ( Dama dama ). Results While SRP addition increased mineral concentrations in tree leaves within 3 years after treatment, we found no significant differences between treatments in the frequency and duration of ungulate foraging. Conclusion Our study yields no evidence for the attraction of foraging ungulates to oak forests treated with SRP within 3 years after application.