Effects of different fire severity levels on soil chemical and physical properties in Zagros forests of western Iran

• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.30773
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Authors: Mehdi Heydari; Ali Salehi; Ali Mahdavi; Adibnejad Mostafa
• Keywords: Silt; Cation-exchange capacity; Soil test; Saturation (graph theory)

The study focused on the effect of different intensities fire physical and chemical properties soil in Zagros forests western Iran. dominant tree species these is oak (Quercus persica). Three sites were selected; high severity burned site (HS), low (LS) control (not burned) (C). Soil such as: organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), NO 3 -N, soluble potassium (K), phosphorus (P), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), base cations (Ca, Mg, Na), CO 2 as saturation percentage (SP), bulk density (BD), sand, clay silt percentages assessed samples. To determine significance differences among three observed most effective variables separation sample plots, one-way analysis variance principal component used, respectively. Mean N, - OM, SP, P, K, CEC at HS lower than with other but EC value for was higher comparison observed. According to Duncan’s test, mean BD when compared SP comparatively lowest. At LS site, sand content lowest amount highest, sites. results showed that severities had significant effects soil, yet very similar each terms investigated factors. Therefore, it can be concluded lowseverity regime has no influence properties. In a management strategy, controlled low-severity an alternative tool improving conditions.