Determination of the effects of prescribed burning applications on soil properties and micro arthropod in anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra) and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) regeneration stands

Prescribed burning is used as a management tool for a variety of forestry activities, such as controlling natural fire regimes, managing the amount of flammable material and reducing the risk of severe forest fires. In particular, reducing the amount of combustible material on the ground releases mineral soil. This situation affects the soil physically, chemically and biologically. This study investigated the effects of prescribed burning on soil properties and microarthropods in Anatolian black pine and Scots pine regeneration stands. A total of 9 experimental plots were set up in the area that received a cover fire after prescribed burning, classified as low, moderate and high, depending on the colour and amount of ash on the cover fire. Samples were also taken from the soil cultivation and control plots. Plant nutrition elements such as saturation, pH, EC, organic matter, N, C/N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na and total lime were analysed in the samples. For the determination of soil microarthropods, a total of four experimental plots, from inside the field three (edge effect, middle, top) and one control plot, were established by creating corridors within the burned area for sampling. Organisms were sampled using a modified Berlesse funnel. In addition, soil samples from the microarthropod sampling area were analysed for temperature, pH and EC to determine the vital activities of microarthropods. In the prescribed burning treatment, the average fire intensity value was 621 kW/m in the Anatolian black pine stand and 156 kW/m in the Scots pine stand. Low fire intensities in both stands had a positive effect on soil properties. In addition, the layer of dead cover on the soil was removed, allowing the seed to meet the soil directly. Even at low intensities, burning reduces the food resources of microarthropods and negatively affects their vital activities by removing the soil dead cover. During the study, microarthropods could reach 36% control, 16% edge effect, 24% middle and 24% top in the Anatolian black pine stands and 41% control, 22% edge effect, 20% middle and 17% top in the Scots pine stand. 10 families belonging to 10 taxa were identified in the Anatolian black pine and Scots pine stands. As part of this research, the rehabilitation of the area will also help fire managers to protect and maintain biodiversity after a wildfire in terms of fire ecology.