The influence of plant species richness on stress recovery of humans
<p>Natural sceneries or single plants may have positive influences on human health. Here we show that plant species richness can positively influence recovery from stress. Meadow-like arrays of different species richness (1, 16, 32, 64 species) were presented to visitors (<i>n</i&g...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-08-01
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| Series: | Web Ecology |
| Online Access: | https://www.web-ecol.net/18/121/2018/we-18-121-2018.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>Natural sceneries or single plants may have positive influences on human
health. Here we show that plant species richness can positively influence
recovery from stress. Meadow-like arrays of different species richness (1,
16, 32, 64 species) were presented to visitors (<i>n</i> = 171) of a popular park
in Zurich, Switzerland (one array per participant). Participants' systolic
blood pressure was measured twice: directly after they had been stressed and
once again after a 2 min post-stress relaxation period during which
they looked at one of either the meadow-like arrangements of plants in pots
or at bare ground, shielded on three sides by a tent-like structure. The
decrease in blood pressure was larger when respondents could view an
arrangement of plants instead of ground without vegetation. Relaxation was
strongest at intermediate species richness (32 species). Age,
gender, and a person's attachment to nature did not influence relaxation. Our results
indicate that species-rich vegetation may contribute to recovery from stress
which should be considered in landscape management and planning.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 2193-3081 1399-1183 |