The Effects of Forest Fires on the Chemical Properties of Soils in Northern Iran: A Case Study on Pinus Taeda Stands

Fires in northern Iran have been one of the most important factors in the destruction of Pinus Taeda forests as surface fires occur almost every year in the area. This study is designed to analyze the effects of 2008 fires on the chemical characteristics (pH, soil electrical conductivity, phosphorus and absorbent potassium, organic carbon, total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity) of 18 acres of Saravan forest soil, northern Iran, and to compare them to those of the control area (having undergone no fires). After necessary reviews, the burned area was divided into three areas of high, medium and low wildfire burn severity. Then, five samples of soil were randomly collected and transported to the laboratory. The results showed that the fire did not have a significant effect on phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity at the 95% confidence interval, while it had a significant effect on soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and total nitrogen at the 95% confidence interval. The fire caused an increase in soil pH and electrical conductivity, and a reduction in organic carbon and total nitrogen. Measured characteristics, except organic carbon, total nitrogen and potassium in the control area were less than the area undergone fire.