Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Master of Science in Range Management, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University
2 Associate Professor in Department of Range management, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University
3 Associate Professor in Department of Watershed management, Sari Agriculture Science and Natural Resources University
4 Assistant Professor in Department of Range management, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University
Abstract
Since fire effects on soil properties, awareness about effects of fire on soil is important for fire management. This study was carried out to investigate effects of fire on hydrological, physical and chemical properties of soil in Charat rangeland of Savadkuh. Sampling was performed in two plant types Astragalus gossypinus and Artemisia aucheri, 120 soil samples were gathered. Experimental design was factorial design based on complete randomized design with three repeat. Five prepared treatments for Experiment were control soil, burned soil with burner and burned in oven at 100, 300 and 500 °C. Soil characteristics including the texture, saturation moisture, pH, organic matter, field capacity, wilting point, available water and retention capacity were measured in the laboratory. Results showed that percent of sand and pH increased but percent of saturation moisture, silt and clay decreased as temperature increased. On the whole, fire and heat have decreased soil potential of keeping moisture and infiltration considerably. As physical and chemical properties of soil change, especially hydrological ones, living environment of soil microorganisms and plant roots change as well. Besides, amount of runoff and erosion increases.
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