Assessment of Soil Quality in Urban Green Spaces: Impacts of Land Use and Management Practices

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.