![]() ![]() High soil heating (> 120 ☌) from high-intensity forest fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem, especially its physical and biological properties. 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 intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils. Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry, including increase in available nutrients and pH. 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. The impact on soil properties is intricate, yielding different results based on these factors. ![]() The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity, duration and recurrence, fuel load, and soil characteristics. Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological, chemical, and physical attributes of forest soils. ![]()
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