What impact will tourism activities have on the soil properties of farmhouse eco-tourism areas?

(1) Changes of soil physical properties. Under the impact of tourism activities, the physical structure, chemical composition and biological factors of the soil in the tourist area will change, especially within 3 meters outside the tourist lane. These changes eventually affect the growth and species of plants on the soil, and insects and animals also migrate or decrease. The research shows that the trampling of tourists and the driving of vehicles will make the soil structure compact and the soil porosity decrease.

for loam and clay, this means that the water content of soil decreases and the bulk density increases. Soil compaction and porosity decrease, which will hinder the absorption of water and air by plant roots; Reducing the living space of microorganisms in soil, causing material decomposition and circulation obstruction; The decrease of soil permeability will increase runoff, cause local water accumulation and even aggravate soil erosion.

(2) Changes of soil chemical properties. The contents of soil, organic matter and nutrient elements impacted by tourism activities decreased obviously. Taking Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area as an example, with the increase of tourism intensity, the contents of soil organic matter, TN, TS, TP and available phosphorus gradually decreased. On the one hand, frequent trampling or artificial removal of litter makes it difficult to retain the litter layer on the surface and reduce the amount of plant litter returned; On the other hand, the bare and hardened soil increases the surface runoff, and a large number of nutrients are lost with the water. These factors have changed the material circulation process of the ecosystem and reduced the sources of soil organic matter and nutrients. The soil is becoming more and more barren, which also affects the normal growth of animals and plants.

(3) the aggravation of soil erosion. There are many factors that induce soil erosion. Atmospheric precipitation, topography, landform, vegetation cover, soil texture and geological conditions all affect the scope and intensity of soil erosion. Good vegetation cover, soil with strong water-holding capacity and litter layer constitute a natural structure with buffering capacity, which can effectively slow down soil erosion. However, intensive tourist activities and land use changes have reshaped the surface contour, resulting in reduced vegetation, bare soil hardening and lack of organic layer. These factors eventually reduce the water and soil conservation function of the system, increase the surface runoff, and indirectly aggravate the degree of soil erosion.