Effect of tourism activities in the Ilgaz Mountain National Park on the soil characteristics

The soil stock of salts, lime, phosphorus and calcium as well as the pH determines the type of soil if it is acidic or alkaline and the amount of water in the soil and its fertility all these elements, affect the characteristics of soil and vegetation and therefore inappropriate practices cause soil degradation and environmental quality. This study aimed to investigate tourist activities and their impact on the characteristics of the soil, especially in the forest area. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from the Ilgaz Mountains National Park, Kastamonu, which is used by tourists for hiking, camping in summer and skiing in winter. Soil samples were collected from 4 different areas of the parking area, ski slope area, roadside area and forest area. From each area, three samples were taken from different depths: 0-5cm, 5-10cm, 10-15cm, 15-30cm. We studied soil content in these samples of salts, calcium, phosphorus, lime and organic matter content, water saturation, and soil type if acidic, alkaline, or neutral. Studies have shown a significant difference in soil content between the four areas, We found the most crowded areas for tourists, and the availability of vital facilities and tourist activities, Are the areas whose soil has been affected, They also lack vegetation, such as the parking area and the roadside area while The forest area is the least affected by tourists, due to the difficulty of movement, as well as the lack of facilities. Most of the differences in soil elements are caused by other natural factors such as tree waste and some animals that live in them. Therefore, consideration should be given to the impact of tourism on the soil of its importance, and take the necessary measures to protect the soil from the loss of its characteristics and function in support of nature and its impact on vegetation in particular and the environment generally