Soil-Ecological Characteristics of the Recreational Forest Ecosystems in Moscow

To understand the soil ecology of the forest ecosystem, the dynamics of soil-ecological indicators in the soil-plant system were studied through physical, chemical and biological parameters at various sites of the Forest Experimental Station of the Russian State Agrarian University of Moscow Agricultural Academy; a unique forest ecosystem known for its heavy metal pollution and unregulated recreation. The results showed that soil compaction had the strongest ability to increase risk of heavy metal mobility. Recreational activity caused a 2-3-fold increase in the density of the soil, resulting in poor aeration and significant heavy metal contamination, affecting the stability and functioning of the green spaces. Moreover, the proximity of the urban environment had a negative effect on the state of the stand. The maximum heavy metal migration capacity determined by biological uptake was found in the root systems of 70-80-year-old oak tree stands and the minimum, in the roots of pine and birch phytocoenosis. The systems’ normal functions were hindered due to reduction in microbial activity.