A review of the effects of forest fire on soil properties

• Published in: Journal of forestry research Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 1419 - 1441
• Main Authors: Agbeshie, Alex Amerh, Abugre, Simon, Atta-Darkwa, Thomas, Awuah, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.10.2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V; Department of Environmental Management,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana%Department of Forest Science,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana%Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana
• Subjects: Analysis; Ash; Biological properties; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biota; Bulk density; Burning; Climate change; Combustion; Ecosystems; Forest & brush fires; Forest ecosystems; Forest fires; Forest management; Forest soils; Forestry; Forests; Fuels; Global temperature changes; Global warming; Heating; Hydrophobicity; Life Sciences; Nutrient availability; Nutrients; Organic matter; Prescribed burning; Prescribed fire; Review Article; Reviews; Soil characteristics; Soil chemistry; Soil density; Soil erosion; Soil management; Soil properties; Soil stability; Soil structure; Soil surfaces; Soils; Strategic management; Sustainable forestry; Volatilization; Water infiltration; Wildfires; Soil organic matter; Soil available nutrients; Low-severity fire; Mineralization; Volatilization; Forest fires
• ISSN: 1007-662X; 1993-0607
• DOI: 10.1007/s11676-022-01475-4

Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological, chemical, and physical attributes of forest soils. The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity, duration and recurrence, fuel load, and soil characteristics. The impact on soil properties is intricate, yielding different results based on these factors. This paper reviews research investigating the effects of wildfire and prescribed fire on the biological and physico-chemical attributes of forest soils and provides a summary of current knowledge associated with the benefits and disadvantages of such fires. Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry, including increase in available nutrients and pH. High intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils. High intensity fires result in nutrient volatilization, the break down in soil aggregate stability, an increase soil bulk density, an increase in the hydrophobicity of soil particles leading to decreased water infiltration with increased erosion and destroy soil biota. High soil heating (> 120 °C) from high-intensity forest fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem, especially its physical and biological properties. In this regard, the use of prescribed burning as a management tool to reduce the fuel load is highly recommended due to its low intensity and limited soil heating. Furthermore, the use of prescribed fires to manage fuel loads is critically needed in the light of current global warming as it will help prevent increased wildfire incidences. This review provides information on the impact of forest fires on soil properties, a key feature in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. In addition, the review should prompt comprehensive soil and forest management regimes to limit soil disturbance and restore fire-disturbed soil ecosystems.