Spatial variability of soil properties in the urban park before and after reconstruction

On-going urbanization stresses the necessity for structural and aesthetically organized urban landscapes to improve citizens’ life quality. Recreational zones create a ‘green frame’ of a city and provide vital functions and services for city dwellers. This research focuses on the comparative analysis of spatial distribution of the key soil properties (acidity, organic carbon and nutrient contents) in the urban park named after Artyom Borovik (Moscow, Russia) before and after reconstruction. The maps of the urban soil’s properties were created for both periods by interpolation of the field data, collected from the depths 0-30, 30-50 and 50-100 cm. The maps of the analyzed properties were developed using open Quantum GIS2.4 software by Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). High spatial variability was observed for the soil properties with the highest variance reported for nutrient concentrations. High heterogeneity in P2O5 and K2O was obtained both in topsoil and subsoil, before and after reconstruction. We found that average concentrations of P2O5 and K2O were correspondingly above and below legal threshold taken for the Moscow city. As a result of the reconstruction the pH has changed from slightly acid and acidic to neutral and slightly alkaline. The topsoil soil organic carbon (SOC) content has increased in result of reconstruction but still was below threshold, recommended by municipal regulations. The findings of the research can be used to project possible changes in soil cover resulted from expansion and reorganization of green areas, which is essential to support decisions in urban planning and soil management in sustainable cities.