Influence of fire on soil and vegetation properties in two contrasting forest sites in Central México

Abstract

J. Capulin-Grande, A. Suárez-Islas, R. Rodríguez-Laguna, J.J. Mateo-Sánchez, R. Razo-

Zárate, and M. Islas-Santillán. 2018. Influence of fire on soil and vegetation properties in

two contrasting forest sites in Central México. Cien. Inv. Agr. 45(2): 128-137. Fire produces

changes in vegetation, soil, fauna, and water quality, and it can even modify atmospheric

chemical composition. Changes in soil fertility, microorganisms and vegetation were evaluated

after a fire in two municipalities in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. Inside and outside the burned

area, four 100 m2 plots were established. In each of the eight plots, soil samples were collected

at two depths (0–5 and 5–20 cm) in the following areas: non-burned area (NBA); 15 days after

fire (15DAF); and 12 and 24 months after the fire (MAF). Vegetation quantification was carried

out at 30, 180 and 540 DAF. The results at 15DAF showed an increase of alkaline and metallic

elements as well as pH in the surface layer, and this trend remained the same to 12MAF. There

was greater Fe, Mn and Zn content in Zacualtipán and greater K, Ca, Mg and P in Singuilucan.

At 24MAF, due to the nutrient requirements of the herbaceous and scrub growth, this effect

was reverted. The fire reduced the organic matter (OM) and total nitrogen (TN) contents,

without any recovery during the evaluated period. Bacteria showed greater mortality because

of the fire: 76% and 50% at the Zacualtipán and Singuilucan sites, respectively. The canopy

opening promoted a 50% increase of species in Zacualtipán. In conclusion, the fire temporarily

increased soil fertility and the presence of herbaceous vegetation, but it reduced the bacteria

and fungi populations.