Recreational load as a factor of soil compaction in protected landscapes

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.