Impact of recreation and tourism on selected soil characteristics in the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve area (south-east Poland)

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the research was to estimate changes in soil properties caused by intensive recreation and tourism in protected areas within the urban borders of Rzeszów (south-east Poland). The research was conducted on two objects: (1) on protected areas of the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve and (2) along the Wisłok Valley. The difference in anthropopressure between the areas was taken into consideration. Soil penetration resistance and moisture were analysed in the spring and autumn period. Soil texture, pH, total carbon, and electrical conductivity (EC) in a 1:10 soil:water suspension were measured in soil material collected in spring. The ion content (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) was measured in the same suspension with an ion chromatograph. There were significant correlations (determined by the Pearson coefficient) between soil acidity, EC, total exchangeable bases, ions of calcium and magnesium, and soil penetration resistance. A significant difference was found in soil penetration resistance between objects (higher in the Wisłok Valley area) and between the distances from the border of the intensively managed area (a decrease as the distance increased). The Z coefficient (the ratio of sodium ions, the sum of calcium and magnesium ions) was significantly lower for the the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve sites.