Without proper planning, the use of trails in ecological reserves may result in various negative impacts. This research therefore evaluated the impacts and degradation of two trails (Laranjeiras-Praia do Sono and Praia do Sono-Praia de Antigos) in southern Juatinga Ecological Reserve in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro State. To accomplish this, the study analyzed the rate of aggregation and the organic matter content of the soil; the presence of degraded areas was also observed. The results indicated that the Laranjeiras-Praia do Sono trail is rather degraded, and has a low rate of soil aggregation at less than 1 mm with organic matter content lower than 3.5%; it also has several ravine erosions. The study concluded that the degraded areas should be reclaimed through the use of drainage channels to control water flow and through the use of geotextiles to protect the slope and vegetation.
Atlantic Forest; erosive features; hydric erosion; soil aggregation