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VOL. 6, ISSUE 2 (2024)
Forest fires induced alterations on soil physicochemical and microbiological properties
Authors
Vanshika Guleria, Kshitij Singh, Shubham, Shilpa Kaushal
Abstract
Forest fires represent ecological disturbance
with its far-reaching consequences for terrestrial ecosystem. Present review
examines the multifaceted impact of fires on soil properties to develop an
intricate relationship between fire and the soil dynamics. Fires reduce
available nutrient pool of soil through processes of immobilization,
volatilization, salts leaching and severe erosion. Intense heat generated
during a fire event alters soil's physical properties. Fire leads to reduction
of soil organic matter and thus decreases moisture retention and increases
erosion susceptibility. Fire induced changes in soil texture and structure
affect the water infiltration rates, soil porosity and ultimately leads to
increased runoff and decreased soil fertility. Fires lead to rapid
metamorphosis of biological form of nutrients to its inorganic form. The
combustion of organic matter releases nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium into the atmosphere. Elevated soil temperature during combustion
alters soil pH towards acidity. Alterations in pH impart a significant effect
on nutrient availability and microbial activities responsible for impacting
plant growth. Mineralization rate generally found to be increased after the
fire but reduced with time as it might have destroyed the organic matter from
the soil. Furthermore, fire incidence increases the evaporation rates and
exacerbates soil drying which leads to decreased microbial activity and
nutrient cycling. Apart from the negative consequences, post fire leads to
regeneration of the fire adapted species and improves the soil fertility as
fire release appreciable amounts of nutrients.
Fire causes drastic reduction in soil microbial biomass. However, soil
bacterial communities are found more tolerant to heat as compared to fungi.
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Pages:7-12
How to cite this article:
Vanshika Guleria, Kshitij Singh, Shubham, Shilpa Kaushal "Forest fires induced alterations on soil physicochemical and microbiological properties". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 6, Issue 2, 2024, Pages 7-12
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