Adaptability of temperate forest soils to fire

This research paper examines the adaptability of temperate forest soils to wildfire, as the frequency and intensity of wildfire in temperate forests is expected to increase with climate change. In addition, climate change is expected to shift the forest boundary northwards, so temperate forests are likely to be gradually replaced by Mediterranean forests, where fire frequency is currently high. How much a fire disturbs soil properties depends on the intensity, severity, frequency and climatic conditions following the fire. Fire in temperate forests primarily negatively affects the organic matter content, which further influences physico-chemical and biological properties. Thus, the most important factor in restoring the soil properties of temperate forests is the restoration of organic matter, which is linked to revegetation. After comparison with studies from boreal and Mediterranean forests, it was found that the recovery time of temperate forest soils is similar to that of boreal forest soils. Soil properties such as increased pyrogenic carbon content, rapid recovery or increased numbers of fungi and bacteria and increased aggregate stability may help in soil recovery after fire. This work is important in the context of climate change and could help in developing strategies that promote soil..