1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture:
TOWARDS SOIL SUSTAINABILITY
11–13 June 2024 • Lublin–Nałęczów, Poland

https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.PP.13
Published online: 4 October 2024

Physical properties of the soil of the dry valley “Rury Park” in Lublin
Monika Jaroszuk-Sierocińska*

Institute of Soil Science, Environmental Engineering and Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author:

Abstract
In the western part of Lublin, there is a unique loess landform, characterized by the presence of dry erosion-denudation valleys, commonly referred to as ravines. The dry valleys, which dominate the city’s landscape, have a bowl-shaped cross-section, a width of up to several hundred meters, and gently sloping sides.  The dry valleys and gorges of Lublin are being partially or completely devastated as a result of the intensifying urbanization process. In places where intensive plant cultivation was previously used and then the construction of housing blocks, the soil cover was transformed into Technosols. Rury Park, established in the 1980s, spans approximately 40 hectares between the neighborhoods of Konopnicka, Prus, Ruta and Skarpa. The main infrastructure element is a pedestrian and bicycle path that runs from the allotment gardens to the Bystrzyca Valley. Research was carried out on the physical properties of cultured soils in the Rury Park in Lublin. Samples for testing were taken from five pedons, from layers 0–25, 25–50 and 50–75 cm, into cylinders with a volume of 100 cm³. The bulk density of the soil, the density of the solid phase and the water capacity in states of high and low water potential were determined. Calculations were made of general porosity, retention of production and useful water for plants, and air capacity in various states of water potential. The physical condition of the park’s soil, which was formed as a result of anthropogenic activities, was assessed as very good. The soils were characterized by high overall porosity, very high full water capacity and field water capacity, very high and high retention of water useful for plants and production water, and varied field air capacity from low to excessive. In order to preserve natural functions and appropriate water and air properties in dry valleys and ravines, especially water retention, ventilation, fauna and flora refuges, they should be protected and appropriately used as urban parks.

Keywords: physical properties, urban soils, dry valley

How to cite
Jaroszuk-Sierocińska M., 2024. Physical properties of the soil of the dry valley “Rury Park” in Lublin. 1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture: Towards Soil Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.PP.13