Influence of burning on soil properties and root biomass in burned areas of Edirne-Keşan Korudag forest district

Influence of Burning on Soil Properties and Root Biomass in Burned Areas of Edirne-Keşan Korudag Forest DistrictIn this study, influence of forest fire on root biomass, soil respiration, pH, organic matter content and texture were investigated in calabrian pine stands in Keşan, Edirne, Turkey. Three plots in burned area and three plots in adjacent unburned area(control) were sampled during 2005 and 2006. Soil samples were taken from three different soil depths (0-10cm,10-20cm and 20-30 cm soil depth, wings. Sequential coring method was used to assess root biomass. 6,2 cm diameter root corers was used to take root cores.Mean soil respiration rates were 1,33 gCm-2 day-1in burned area and 2,33 gCm-2 day-1 in control. Soil respiration rates were greater in burned area than in control. Soil respiration rates were increased with increasing soil temperature. Mean soil moisture were 13,91% in burned area and 16,05% in control area. Soil sand content was higher in burned stands while clay content was higher in control. Mean soil pH and soil organic matter content was higher in control than in burned area. Our results indicate that fire increases soil biological activity therefore it can be used as a tool in regeneration of calabrian pine stands of Aegean and Mediterranean Region of Turkey.