Impact of Forest Fires on Soil Microbial Substrate Utilization and Dehydrogenase Activity in Different Rock Types and Soil Layers

• DOI: 10.1002/tqem.70075
• Publication Date: 2025-04-23T02:55:08Z
• Authors: Ji‐Seul Kim; Hyeong Chul Jeong; EunYoung Lee

ABSTRACT This study explored the effects of forest fires on soil microbial activity in soils classified by rock origin (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) stratified subsoil depth (topsoil, subsoil). Microbial activity, indicated average well color development (AWCD) Shannon diversity indices, was higher undamaged topsoils compared to fire‐damaged ones. In contrast, subsoils, particularly metamorphic sedimentary soils, exhibited increased over time due organic matter decomposition. A significant increase substrate utilization observed across all types (* p < 0.05, ** 0.01) topsoil, with exhibiting highest based indices. The dehydrogenase followed a similar pattern, reduced topsoil but damaged subsoils. Principal component analysis (PCA) linked indicators (AWCD, index) mineral compositions like orthoclase hornblende, highlighting role chemistry shaping responses fire. These insights advance understanding fire‐induced changes functions diverse geological contexts.