Entire branches of science are dedicated to studying the various faculties of soil. The soil ecosystem is a vast assemblage of chemical and biological characteristics and may very well be the most diverse assortment of ecosystems on Planet Earth. 
The soil ecosystem is also one of the most threatened on Earth and here in Allentown there is no better place to see the destruction of said ecosystem than in the Allentown park system. (Note: While this problem is present in every park in Allentown – this post is focused on the situation in the Lehigh Parkway) 
Soil compaction is one of the most serious threats to the soil ecosystem. It occurs when heavy machinery is repeatedly used on the same area of soil or there is a great amount of use in the same given area over time. Soil compaction decreases the available pore space of the soil causing greater rates of erosion and increased stormwater runoff. The more compacted soil becomes, the harder it is for native plants to establish root structures which is why invasive species with much shallower root systems can thrive in compacted soil. Animals who use the soil for shelter are also affected as their ability to burrow is severely compromised. This list of problems could continue for a long, long time. 
Consider the eternal maxim of “Everything is Connected”. Think about the soil losing its buffering capacity because of soil compaction from excessive mowing of grass and couple that with the lack of riparian vegetation on the Little Lehigh in the Parkway. How much run off and how many pollutants do you think are making it into the creek with no protection whatsoever in a rain event? 
Accompanying this post so far are pictures of the excessive amount of ruts, bumps, and areas of bare soil all caused by soil compaction as the result of unneeded mowing in the Lehigh Parkway. You readers who so desperately cling to the idea of these lawn vistas, look at these pictures, think of the consequences – you cannot possibly think this is a good idea. 
These scenes are repeated with disturbing frequency in every park in Allentown, right now and it is only getting worse. Clinging to the outdated maxims of aesthetic principals of the early 1900s have no place in the modern management techniques of urban natural resources. The parks department does not change their mowing policy because they believe that the scenes shown above – are what people want.
From the PA DCNR:
The soil ecosystem helps to:
- Sustain biological activity, diversity, and productivity by providing habitat for plants, animals, and other organisms;
- Regulate water flow;
- Filter, buffer, immobilize, and detoxify potential pollutants;
- Store and cycle nutrients;
- And provide structural support for plants.
The maintenance of these soil functions requires careful consideration of the entire soil ecosystem, including soil floral and faunal communities, which are composed of bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, earthworms, insects, small vertebrates, and plants, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Providing and protecting the necessary habitat components and physical conditions for soil organisms is critical for managing soil resources.
#1 by annoymous on August 26, 2010 - 9:30 am
Thank you Andrew for taking all those Parkway photos. They do tell the story.
#2 by annoymous on August 28, 2010 - 1:26 pm
The parks department does not change their mowing policy because they believe that the scenes shown above – are what people want.
Who told you this?