Research Article

Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest

Volume: 11 Number: 2 June 26, 2025
TR EN

Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of recreational use intensity on soil compaction and key physical and chemical soil properties in the Kastamonu Urban Forest, Turkey. Soil penetration resistance, bulk density, organic matter pH, electrical conductivity, and soil texture were measured across three land-use types (forest, recreation area, path) at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). Results revealed that increasing use intensity significantly elevated soil penetration resistance and bulk density values, while organic matter decreased, particularly in path and recreation areas. Forest soils consistently showed the lowest soil penetration resistance (1.18–1.48 MPa) and bulk density (0.86–0.93 g/cm³) and the highest organic matter (9–12.4%), highlighting their protective role. In contrast, path soils exhibited the highest soil penetration resistance (up to 3.7 MPa), bulk density (1.60 g/cm³), and electrical conductivity (203–205 µS/cm), indicating greater compaction and reduced soil quality. Soil pH ranged from acidic in forest areas (5.5–5.9) to near-neutral in high-use areas. Correlation analyses confirmed strong links between increased compaction and reduced organic matter, along with changes in pH and electrical conductivity. Soil texture differences, with higher sand content in intensively used areas, further contributed to compaction. These findings underscore the critical role of forested areas in maintaining soil health and highlight the need for sustainable management practices to reduce compaction in urban forests. This research contributes to understanding human impacts on urban forest soils and informs strategies to balance recreation and ecosystem conservation.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK

Project Number

TÜBİTAK 2209A-1919B012326521

Ethical Statement

Yazarlar; çalışmanın tüm süreçlerinin araştırma ve yayın etiğine uygun olduğu, etik kurallara ve bilimsel atıf gösterme ilkelerine uyduğunu beyan etmektedirler.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Natural Resource Management, Soil Pollution and Control

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 26, 2025

Submission Date

June 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 24, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 11 Number: 2

APA
Baç, B., & Güneş Şen, S. (2025). Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi, 11(2), 249-262. https://doi.org/10.58626/memba.1711199
AMA
1.Baç B, Güneş Şen S. Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025;11(2):249-262. doi:10.58626/memba.1711199
Chicago
Baç, Beyza, and Senem Güneş Şen. 2025. “Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest”. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi 11 (2): 249-62. https://doi.org/10.58626/memba.1711199.
EndNote
Baç B, Güneş Şen S (June 1, 2025) Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi 11 2 249–262.
IEEE
[1]B. Baç and S. Güneş Şen, “Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest”, MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 249–262, June 2025, doi: 10.58626/memba.1711199.
ISNAD
Baç, Beyza - Güneş Şen, Senem. “Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest”. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi 11/2 (June 1, 2025): 249-262. https://doi.org/10.58626/memba.1711199.
JAMA
1.Baç B, Güneş Şen S. Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025;11:249–262.
MLA
Baç, Beyza, and Senem Güneş Şen. “Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest”. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 2, June 2025, pp. 249-62, doi:10.58626/memba.1711199.
Vancouver
1.Beyza Baç, Senem Güneş Şen. Impacts of Recreational Use on Soil Dynamics in Kastamonu Urban Forest. MEMBA Su Bilimleri Dergisi. 2025 Jun. 1;11(2):249-62. doi:10.58626/memba.1711199

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Founded in 2013 as the "Menba Kastamonu University Faculty of Fisheries Journal," our journal continues to be published as the "MEMBA Journal of Water Sciences."
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MEMBA Journal of Water Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal published by Kastamonu University. The journal aims to encourage the publication of fundamental and applied scientific research related to aquatic sciences and water resources, strengthen interdisciplinary scientific communication, and increase knowledge in this field. The journal began publishing continuously in 2026 and only accepts original articles, short notes, technical notes, reports, and reviews in English.

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