Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes

Oleg Gordienko; Anna Mitrofanova; Tibor József Novák

doi:10.18393/ejss.1920975

Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes

Abstract

Tourism in protected natural areas is growing globally, necessitating environmental monitoring to assess its impact. Recreational monitoring is a systematic approach to regularly assess, analyze, and forecast the state of protected areas affected by recreational activities. Its primary goal is to detect changes caused by anthropogenic pressure in order to ensure sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. This study investigates the effects of recreational pressure on soil properties along the “Volga Switzerland” ecological trail located in the Shcherbakovsky Natural Park (Volgograd Region, Russia) (50.490782, 45.704665). To evaluate soil response to trampling, spatial heterogeneity and varying degradation stages were considered. Soil samples were collected at 12 sites from the trail surface, as well as at distances of 20, 50, and 100 cm from the trail edge. The results indicate a positive correlation between trail intensity and bulk soil density: the more pronounced the trail, the greater the compaction across all depths. For lightly trampled trails, the average density was 1.24 g cm-3 (+0.25 g cm-3 above background). For moderately trampled trails — 1.46 g cm-3 (+0.10 g cm-3), and for heavily trampled trails — 1.51 g cm-3 (+0.11 g cm-3). The most significant effects are observed within the trail itself and extend to a depth of 20 cm, particularly under heavily and moderately trampled areas. At a distance of 100 cm, median bulk density values across all depths approach background levels, confirming the localized spatial nature of recreational impact. These findings highlight the importance of soil monitoring in protected areas to maintain their ecological integrity.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Soil Sciences and Plant Nutrition (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Oleg Gordienko ^* This is me
0000-0001-5381-9114
Russian Federation

Anna Mitrofanova This is me
0009-0004-6827-8436
Russian Federation

Tibor József Novák This is me
0000-0002-5514-9035
Hungary

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

December 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 26, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1920975

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69WK28UU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Gordienko, O., Mitrofanova, A., & Novák, T. J. (2026). Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, 15(3), 335-347. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1920975

AMA

1.Gordienko O, Mitrofanova A, Novák TJ. Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes. EJSS. 2026;15(3):335-347. doi:10.18393/ejss.1920975

Chicago

Gordienko, Oleg, Anna Mitrofanova, and Tibor József Novák. 2026. “Recreational Load As a Factor of Soil Compaction in Protected Landscapes”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 (3): 335-47. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1920975.

EndNote

Gordienko O, Mitrofanova A, Novák TJ (June 1, 2026) Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15 3 335–347.

IEEE

[1]O. Gordienko, A. Mitrofanova, and T. J. Novák, “Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes”, EJSS, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 335–347, June 2026, doi: 10.18393/ejss.1920975.

ISNAD

Gordienko, Oleg - Mitrofanova, Anna - Novák, Tibor József. “Recreational Load As a Factor of Soil Compaction in Protected Landscapes”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 15/3 (June 1, 2026): 335-347. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1920975.

JAMA

1.Gordienko O, Mitrofanova A, Novák TJ. Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes. EJSS. 2026;15:335–347.

MLA

Gordienko, Oleg, et al. “Recreational Load As a Factor of Soil Compaction in Protected Landscapes”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 15, no. 3, June 2026, pp. 335-47, doi:10.18393/ejss.1920975.

Vancouver

1.Oleg Gordienko, Anna Mitrofanova, Tibor József Novák. Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes. EJSS. 2026 Jun. 1;15(3):335-47. doi:10.18393/ejss.1920975