Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E011
Published online: 22 April 2026
Functioning of urban soils under anthropopressure conditions on the example of dry valleys of Lublin
Monika Jaroszuk-Sierocińska
Institute of Soil Science, Environment Engineering and Management, University of Life Science, 7 Leszczyńskiego St., 20-960 Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author: monika.jaroszuk@up.edu.pl
The functioning of urban soils under conditions of strong anthropopressure is a significant research problem, particularly in areas of high environmental sensitivity, such as the dry valleys of Lublin. These are geomorphological features with specific water and soil conditions that, under natural conditions, perform important water retention and ecological functions. However, intensive urbanization leads to their transformation, disruption of soil structure, changes in physicochemical properties, and reduced biological activity. As a result of anthropogenic pressure, the soils of these areas lose their ability to perform basic ecosystem functions, such as water infiltration, organic matter storage, and biodiversity support. Increased erosion and periodic flooding also occur, resulting from disruption of natural water cycle processes. At the same time, varying degrees of degradation are observed depending on the intensity of land development and land use. Their water-air properties are of particular importance in assessing the functioning of these soils, as they determine both water retention and infiltration capacity, as well as oxygen availability for soil organisms. Their disruption leads to the deterioration of habitat conditions and reduced soil biological activity. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the water and air properties is a key element in diagnosing soil condition. Analysis of the physical properties of soils in the dry valleys revealed changes resulting from the introduction of anthropogenic material into the natural soil. It has also been shown that human activity contributed to changes in soil compaction in areas with high traffic intensity. These changes were found to be variable across the dry valley studied. Analysis of soil functioning in Lublin’s dry valleys indicates the need to implement protective and remedial measures that will preserve their environmental functions. In the context of sustainable urban development, integrating spatial planning with knowledge of soil properties and limiting the negative impact of human activity on these fragile ecosystems is particularly important.
Keywords: anthropopressure; urban soils; water-air properties
How to cite
Jaroszuk-Sierocińska M., 2026. Functioning of urban soils under anthropopressure conditions on the example of dry valleys of Lublin. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E011