Physical and chemical soil alterations from wildfires in forests of San Miguel del Carrizal, State of Sinaloa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v17i97.1638Keywords:
dynamics, fire, hydrophobicity, carbon pool, waste, healthAbstract
Forest fires are becoming increasingly frequent; they alter the physical and chemical properties of the soil, affecting its productivity and health. Therefore, this study evaluated and compared these properties in soils affected and unaffected by wildfires in El Carrizal, Sinaloa. Two areas were considered: one that had been burned and one control area (unburned). In each area, composite soil samples were collected to determine physical properties (bulk density and hydrophobicity) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, carbon, and carbon pool) at two depths: 0-15 and 15-30 cm. The results indicated that the surface layer of the burned area showed more significant changes in the soil's physical and chemical properties; in addition, water repellency was classified as strong and slight for the second depth, whereas in the control area, it was nonexistent. In particular, soil bulk density and porosity decreased and increased, respectively, in the burned area compared to the control area. The pH and electrical conductivity increased, an effect attributed to the presence of fire residues. The soil organic carbon pool was higher in the burned area, consistent with numerous studies indicating that this variable increases significantly after three months. Changes in soil properties varied widely, with increases observed in some cases and decreases in others.
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