The influence of the relief on the formation of the trail network within the forest ecosystems of the NPP «Boikivshchyna» (Verkhovynsky Vododilny ridge, Ukrainian Carpathians)

Abstract

The influence of recreational load on soil cover is considered. It was found out that in the depressions of the slopes and on the leveled areas there is an accumulation of forest litter, the power and reserves of which depend on the steepness of the slope, the direction of the path and the recreational load. The influence of recreational load on the physical and water-physical properties of brown mountain-forest soils was analyzed. It was found that the complete or partial absence of litter on the paths causes rapid evaporation of moisture from the upper horizon (0−5 cm) of the soil, a decrease in the overall porosity, and an increase soil bulk density. It was found that as the soil bulk density increases, the water permeability of the soil decreases, compared to the control. A significant increase in structure density indicators was found on paths with a significant steepness of the slope, and the obtained results are characteristic of the transitional Нr horizon of brown mountain-forest soils. On the contrary, stagnation of water begins to form in the micro-lowering or on the concave surface of the path, which leads to the formation of new bypass paths. The forest floor in such areas is partially peated, and the F+H capacity of the sub-horizon can be more than 50% of its total capacity. The fractional composition is dominated by the share of leaves and fruits. According to the proposed ecological criteria for assessing the state of the natural environment, namely: the width of the path, the absence/presence of forest litter on the path, the density of the soil structure, the presence of additional/parallel paths, the depth of the erosion cut, it was established that the state of the path leading to the town of Pikuy from of the village of Verkhne Gusne corresponds to category III. It was found that the width of the trail is 1.80-3.50 m, and the stock of forest litter is less than 1 kg·m⁻², and the density of soil structure on the trail increased by 1.5 times compared to the control. As a result of significant overconsolidation of the upper horizons on the path within the forest ecosystems, erosion processes occur, as evidenced by the depth of the ravine of 35-50 cm. In order to improve the ecological condition of the trail or slow down the degradation processes, it is advisable to introduce organizational, management and engineering measures.