Biochemical changes in the recreational areas soil caused by the intensity of use

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the intensity of selected recreational areas use on biochemical changes within soils. Soil samples were collected from different playgrounds, playing fields and horse farms. Granulometric composition of the soils was determined. Heavy metals concentration, organic carbon concentration, total nitrogen concentration and activities of dehydrogenases, phosphatase and urease were measured at unburdened and burdened sites of the investigated recreational areas. It was found, that the use of the recreations areas triggers the changes in biochemical composition of the soil. Greater burden decreases the enzymes concentration in the soil. For most sites, a positive correlation was found between enzymes and organic carbon concentration and between phosphatase and urease. The degree of heavy metals soils contamination was low and only the samples from one playing field and one horse farm had increased concentration of cadmium. Monitoring of biochemical changes in recreational areas soil (especially playgrounds) is very important to provide safe environment for human leisure time.