Effects of low-intensity fire on soil organic carbon stocks and physicochemical properties in the Mediterranean ecosystem

Abstract

Due to inherent climate characteristics, forest fires are commonly encountered in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Forest fires influence water resources, flora, fauna, air quality and soil properties. This study was conducted to determine the effects of a low-intensity fire in Lapseki – Dışbudak village on soil physical and chemical properties. Soil samples were taken from 0-5 cm depth on unburned (control) and burned lands 1 month and 3 years after the fire and samples were analyzed for organic carbon stock, texture, aggregate stability, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), lime, organic matter, organic carbon, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Na, and available Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn.While the average pH, EC (dS m-1), exchangeable Ca (mg kg-1), Na (mg kg-1), available Mn (mg kg-1) and Zn (mg kg-1) values were respectively measured as 6.37, 0.72, 3504.10, 34.97, 202.31 and 4.23 in burned lands in the 1st month after fire, the values were respectively measured as 6.25, 0.53, 2870.90, 24.89, 127.96 and 2.71 in control areas. At the end of the 3rd year, available Mn was measured as 81.69 mg kg-1 in burned lands and 53.58 mg kg-1 in unburned lands. It was concluded that at the end of 3 years, low-intensity fire was effective in improving soil properties.

Keywords

• low intensity fire
• soil organic carbon stock
• soil properties
• soil nutrient