Effects of Soil Compaction on Vegetation and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Recreational Areas: A Case Study of Kastamonu

Aim of study: This study investigated the possible effects of soil penetration resistance on soil properties and tree physiology in recreational area soils. Area of study: It was studied in A9ik Maslak and Kadidagi recreational areas in Kastamonu. Material and methods: Some soil properties were determined in 395 soil samples from park, road, control, and picnic areas in each recreational area. At 61 points, soil penetration resistance was measured with a penetrometer. Some physiological properties were determined in fresh needle samples of 42 trees. Main results: Soil penetration resistance in the control ranges from 1.6 MPa to 2.1 MPa, with medium compaction, while in other-use areas with high compaction ranged from 2.03 MPa to 3.75 MPa. The soil penetration resistance linearly decreased with increasing organic matter and permeability values. In contrast, the soil penetration resistance increased linearly with increasing soil bulk density. Additionally, the effects of all of tree's physiological properties on soil penetration resistance were not found to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Research highlights: Depending on soil use, it was observed that soil penetration resistance was less effective for organic matter, permeability, bulk density and soil moisture content. However, some chemical compounds in trees did not show a significant trend in soil penetration resistance. Our findings show that moderate to high compaction in recreational area soils often significantly affects visitor density or trampling by visitors, which can lead to soil degradation.