Effects of wildfire severity on the soil properties of Mediterranean forests

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 Wildfire severity significantly influences the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in Mediterranean forests, altering ecosystem functions and recovery processes. High-severity wildfires can cause intense soil heating, leading to the loss of organic matter, volatilization of nutrients, reduction in soil aggregate stability, and increased hydrophobicity, which diminishes water infiltration. Such fires often result in nutrient depletion (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), changes in pH, and reduced microbial diversity, ultimately degrading soil fertility. Conversely, low-to-moderate severity fires may enhance nutrient availability through ash deposition, stimulate microbial activity, and promote vegetation regeneration, potentially improving soil productivity over time. The extent of these effects depends on fire intensity, vegetation type, and post-fire management practices, making understanding fire-soil interactions essential for sustainable Mediterranean forest restoration and management.

#WildfireSeverity #SoilProperties #MediterraneanForests #PostFireRecovery #SoilFertility #ForestManagement #SoilEcology #FireImpact #EcosystemRestoration #SoilHealth




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