Estimation the impact of the linear form of recreation on the properties of brown forest soils (for example NPP «Skolivski Beskydy», Ukrainian Carpathians)

Abstract

The article analyses the impact of recreational loading on brown forest soils by physical, water-physical, agrochemical and biotic properties. It was found that the density of soil structure on the trails increased by 1.1-1.9 times and field soil moisture decreases by 1.8-1.9 times. In the initial stages of recreational degression, the humus content is recorded slightly higher compared to the control area, while on trails with a higher recreational load, on the contrary, decreases by more than 50%. Indicators of biotic activity is catalase activity of soil and biomass of soil biota. Depending on the stage of recreational regression, the indicators of biotic activity decreased by 25-60% compared with the control. As the criteria for estimating the impact of recreation activities on the soil: the width of the trail, the parallels trails, the density of the soil structure and the forest litter. Аccording to the results of field and laboratory studies: trail «Starovikovi lisy» are included in the I category and the trail «Dolynoyu richky Kamyanka» to the IV category, route «Skole-Parashka» – ІІІ category.