Evaluating the Indirect Anthropogeomorphic Impact of Desert Camping on the Density of Cyperus conglomeratus in the Kuwaiti Desert

Objective: This research examined the indirect anthropogeomorphic impact of desert camping—in the desert environment of Kuwait on Cyperus conglomeratus density. Method: This study used fieldwork data collection techniques such as dividing camps into quads, recording soil compaction readings by using a pocket penetrometer, using the counting method to count Cyperus conglomeratus, and statistical analysis to analyze the collected data. Results: It was found that soil compaction in the undisturbed sites was significantly less than in the disturbed sites. Cyperus conglomeratus density in the undisturbed sites was significantly denser than in the disturbed sites. It was also found that a high density of Cyperus conglomeratus was present in most undisturbed sites' quads while representing a minority in disturbed sites' quads. The logistic regression model indicated that soil compaction was negatively associated with Cyperus conglomeratus density. Conclusion: The findings show that desert camping significantly negatively impacts soil compaction, reducing the density of Cyperus conglomeratus in the desert of Kuwait.