Fire induced changes in soil characteristics in Keşan, Turkey

Abstract

This research was conducted in Ke an (Çınarlıdere) area (1689 ha) of Thrace region, Turkey. The forest area was burned naturally in 2000. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of forest fire on some soil characteristics two year after the fire. Soil samples were collected from three locations as replicates from both burned and nearby unburnt sites. According to the study results, urease activity and soil organic carbon values (P<0.001), organic nitrogen and total porosity (P<0.01), aggregate stability, microbial biomass carbon values (P<0.05) were lower in burned soils than those of unburned soils. On the other hand, hydraulic conductivity and available phosphorus in unburned soil was not significantly higher than that of burned soils. This research showed negative effects of fire on some soil characteristics after two years.