Analyses on the General Characteristics of Soils in Urban Forest Parks in Kardzhali
Analyses on the General Characteristics of Soils in Urban Forest Parks in Kardzhali

Author(s): Miglena Zhiyanski, Maria Sokolovska
Subject(s): Economy, Geography, Regional studies, Agriculture, Regional Geography, Environmental Geography
Published by: Национално издателство за образование и наука „Аз-буки“
Keywords: Kardzhali case-study; Urban forest parks; Superficial soil; General characteristics; Experimental data
Summary/Abstract: The aim of present study is to analyze the general characteristics of soils in urban forest parks in a case-study region of Kardzhali and to define tendencies of the current soil processes. The superficial soil in three forest parks Arpezos-North, Central City Park and Prostor Park located in urban and peri-urban zones are studied along a transect with three plots in three repetitions. The general soil characteristics are analyzed following standard procedures. Based on the results it could be summarized that the soils in the studied parks are in good ecological condition in terms of stock of nutrients and organic matter. The lower C:N ratio (Prostor Park) indicates faster nitrogen release into the soil and availability for plants. The higher ratio (Arpezos-North Park and Central City Park) leads to an equilibrium state between the processes of mineralization and immobilization. Alkalization processes are more pronounced in the surface layers of soils in urban parks (Arpezos-North Park and Central City Park) than in park in peri-urban area (Prostor Park). Regarding the heavy metals and metalloids content it was determined a tendency in superficial soils of Prostor and Central City Park, to contain more Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni. The analyses on the current condition of soils, as a fundamental component of urban forest parks in Kardzhali case-study provides a basis for further monitoring on the status of green system in the city and to support the outlining measures for their sustainable management.

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