Student Research Reports
Effects of Human Activity on Podzolic Soil Horizons at Jõulumäe
Organization(s):Estonian Learning Expedition
Country:Estonia
Student(s):Anette-Larissa Piir, Alexander Rootsmaa, Esme Luise Kull, Maksim Shirokikh, Mia Konks, Riste Õue, Romer Ojaveer, Thora Liisa Vildersen
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Vaike Rootsmaa
Contributors:Johanna Raudsepp
Laura Altin
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Bulk Density, Soil Characterization, Soil Fertility, Soil Infiltration, Soil Particle Density, Soil Particle Size Distribution, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Video:
View Video
Presentation Poster:
View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
Jõulumäe is a locality in Häädemeeste parish, Pärnu County, Estonia, located near the coast of the Baltic Sea. The field expedition was conducted in the forested area of the Jõulumäe Recreational Sports Centre, a site used for cycling, skiing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Soil samples were collected from both forested and heavily trampled areas in order to compare the effects of human activity. In total, four samples were obtained: two from forest regimes and two from trampled regimes. The study focused on the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the organic and eluviated horizons of podzolic soils. Soil condition is critical for sustaining vegetation around the recreational centre and for supporting diverse invertebrate and microbial communities. A previous expedition took place at the same location in 2018; however, direct follow-up measurements were not possible because part of the original site had been replaced by an asphalt road. The area includes coastal dunes stabilized by vegetation, which plays an essential role in preventing wind erosion. Maintaining soil stability is therefore necessary for preserving dune ecosystems. This study contributes to broader environmental education and citizen science initiatives supported by the GLOBE Program.