The effects of crown and surface fire on the soil properties in black pine stands

Fire intensity is one of the factors that affect the physical and chemical soil properties. The knowledge on the influence of fire intensity on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil is essential for the success and economic feasibility of afforestation activities. In this study, the impacts of a wildfire occurred in an agricultural area and jumped into a black pine forest on the some physical and chemical soil properties was observed. Fire intensity was evaluated using two classes; low (surface fire) and high (crown fire) intensity. Sample plots were established within the burned area exposed to surface fire and crown fire, unburned control area, and burned and unburned agricultural areas. Following the wildfire, 210 soil samples at 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm were collected within the sample plots during 10 months period. During the analysis of soil samples, pH, CaCO3, organic matters, phosphor and total salt, soil texture (sand %, clay %, and silt %) were determined. The impacts of the wildfire on the soil properties were monitored using the student t-test. As a result, the changes in soil properties in a black pine stand exposed to crown and surface fire were found out following the wildfire. These results will be useful for the afforestation activities within the burned black pine forests.