Impacts of tourist trampling and topography on soil quality characteristics in recreational trails

Walking and hiking are among the most popular recreational activities, but continued tourist trampling of popular trails can have adverse effects on soil properties. In this study, the impacts of tourist trampling and topography on soil characteristics (texture, structure, bulk density, particle density, soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and microbial respiration) were investigated in three trails located in Sefid-Cheshmeh (Golestan Province, Iran) each with different tourist visitation frequencies; low, medium, and high frequency as well as an undisturbed area serving as the control. A suite of soil physical and biochemical parameters was measured at 20 randomized points along each trail and data was analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s test. The results indicated a notable effect of visitors’ trampling on some soil physical (soil structure, bulk density) and chemical features (soil organic carbon). It was found that trampling as well as topographic factors (elevation, slope and aspect) are associated with soil quality characteristics, especially on soil EC and respiration. However, soil texture was the same in all trails, and particle density mainly contributed to soil organic carbon content. The results of this study can contribute to soil preservation and restoration by identifying damaged or fragile areas, protecting natural and aesthetic aspects of the soil along walking and hiking trails, and associating with carrying capacity investigations to put limitations on the number of visitors. Thus, such studies can be helpful in the training of human resources for such efforts.