Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities by providing numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. The soil quality within these urban green spaces is essential for supporting healthy vegetation, maintaining biodiversity, and promoting overall ecosystem resilience. However, the impacts of land use and management practices on soil quality in urban green spaces remain understudied. This thesis aims to assess the soil quality in urban green spaces and investigate how different land use and management practices influence soil properties and functions. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, identifying the problem statement, outlining the objectives, discussing the limitations and scope of the study, emphasizing the significance of the research, presenting the structure of the thesis, and defining key terms to facilitate understanding. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on soil quality assessment, urban green spaces, land use practices, and management strategies. The review synthesizes existing knowledge and identifies gaps in the literature, laying the groundwork for the empirical investigation conducted in this study. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in the study, including the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analytical approaches. This chapter describes how soil samples were collected from various urban green spaces, analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological properties, and evaluated to assess soil quality indicators. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, discussing the impacts of different land use types and management practices on soil quality parameters such as soil organic matter content, nutrient availability, microbial diversity, and soil compaction. The results highlight the importance of sustainable land management practices in maintaining and enhancing soil quality in urban green spaces. Chapter Five provides a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications of the research, suggesting recommendations for future studies, and emphasizing the importance of promoting soil quality in urban green spaces for sustainable urban development and environmental conservation. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on soil quality assessment in urban green spaces and underscores the importance of sustainable land use and management practices in preserving soil health and ecosystem services in urban environments. The findings of this research have implications for policymakers, urban planners, landscape architects, and environmental practitioners involved in the design and management of urban green spaces.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Soil Quality in Urban Green Spaces: Impacts of Land Use and Management Practices" aims to investigate the soil quality in urban green spaces and evaluate how it is influenced by various land use and management practices. Urban green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities by providing recreational areas, promoting biodiversity, and improving environmental quality. However, these spaces are often subjected to different land uses and management practices that can impact the soil quality. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on soil quality assessment methods, urban green spaces, land use practices, and management strategies. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the key factors that influence soil quality in urban environments. The methodology section will outline the research design, sampling techniques, and data collection methods to be employed in the study. Soil samples will be collected from various urban green spaces, and relevant soil properties such as pH, organic matter content, nutrient levels, and microbial activity will be analyzed. Additionally, data on land use patterns and management practices will be collected through surveys and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in detail in the results and discussion chapter. The analysis will highlight the relationships between soil quality parameters, land use types, and management practices. The impact of factors such as urbanization, pollution, and maintenance activities on soil quality will be critically evaluated. In conclusion, the research will summarize the key findings and implications of the study. Recommendations for improving soil quality in urban green spaces will be provided based on the research findings. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform urban planning and management practices to enhance the sustainability and resilience of urban green spaces. By understanding the impacts of land use and management practices on soil quality, stakeholders can make informed decisions to promote healthy and productive urban green spaces for the benefit of both the environment and the community.