Geotourism and Soil Quality on Trails Within Conservation Units in South-East Brazil

Abstract

Geotourism is a growing activity in Brazil, mainly in Conservation Units, where trails are used by both visitors and local people to access geotourist attractions. The use of these trails can have negative impacts when there is inadequate planning and management. This research investigated two geotourist trails: Caixa D’Aço natural pool trail in Serra da Bocaina National Park (Rio de Janeiro State) and Água Branca waterfall trail in Serra do Mar State Park (São Paulo State). Geodiversity values were assessed at both geosites, adopting the methods of Gray (2004, 2013). Soil quality analysis was also conducted, with physico-chemical analyses of soils from 0 to 10 cm depth. The dominant soil texture on Caixa D’Aço natural pool trail is sandy clay loam, and on Água Branca trail, all samples were coarse sandy loams. Soils on Caixa D’Aco natural pool trail were compact, with a mean bulk density of 1.41 g/cm3, whereas on Água Branca trail, the mean value was 1.19 g/cm3. The geodiversity values at both sites were similar, except for supporting services, where Caixa D’Aço natural pool had a medium value, whereas Água Branca waterfall had a high value. This paper stresses the importance of geoconservation studies in publicizing the geoheritage of Brazilian Conservation Units.