Skip to main content
Author(s):
Leonard F. DeBano
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Effects
Ecological - First Order
Soil Heating
Ecosystem(s):
Montane wet mixed-conifer forest, Montane dry mixed-conifer forest, Ponderosa pine woodland/savanna

NRFSN number: 12001
FRAMES RCS number: 15246
Record updated:

Fire affects nutrient cycling and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils occupied by western montane forests. Combustion of litter and soil organic matter (OM) increases the availability of some nutrients, although others are volatilized (for example, N, P, S). Soil OM loss also affects cation exchange capacity, organic chelation, aggregate stability, macro pore space, infiltration, and soil microorganisms. Nitrogen replenishment must be emphasized when prescribed burning programs are planned or during rehabilitation following wildfires.

Citation

DeBano, Leonard F. 1991. The effect of fire on soil properties. In: Harvey, Alan E.; Neuenschwander, Leon F., comps. Management and productivity of western-montane forest soils, proceedings. 1990 April 10-12; Missoula, MT; Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-280. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. p. 151-156.

Access this Document