Effects of fire on the physicochemical properties of soil in a slash-and-burn agriculture

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of fire on the physicochemical properties of the topsoil (0–5 cm) for a slash-and-burn agricultural system in a subtropical environment following a 7–8 year fallow period. The study was carried out at Tijuco Preto rural community in Prudentópolis municipality, southern Brazil. It is highlighted that chemical changes only occurred to a depth of 2.5 cm in the topsoil, and that aggregate stability tended to decrease only to a depth of 2.5 cm in the topsoil. Changes in the chemical properties of the soil were more evident than changes in the physical properties. Fire did not destroy the water repellency of the topsoil. The high soil moisture content prior to burning, which would have led to evaporative cooling, may have contributed to the overall limited detrimental impact of the fire on key soil properties.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, n°. 122, p. 209-215, nombre de pages : 7, Références bibliographiques : 38 ref.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena