Camping effects on selected soil and vegetative properties

ABSTRACT:

Significant changes in soil properties were found on forest sites used for sustained recreation. Study sites, located in the Appalachian Highland and Coastal Plain Southern Pine Regions, were selected on the basis of age and utilization. Site variables affected by recreational use were soil penetrometer resistance, soil moisture, bulk density, infiltration rate, depth of the A₀ and A horizons, number of exposed surface roots, and number of underground roots. Results of the study indicate that soil litter accumulation should be enhanced on camping sites, campgrounds maintain their physical properties best when established on medium-textured soils, and camping units should be designed to minimize user impacts.