Soil properties and charcoal dynamics of burnt soils in the Tyrolean Limestone Alps

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

KLOSS, S.

Dept. of Geography, Univ., Augsburg, Allemagne

SASS, O.

Dept. of Geography, Univ., Augsburg, Allemagne

Inst. of Geography, Univ., Innsbruck, Autriche

GEITNER, C.

Inst. of Geography, Univ., Innsbruck, Autriche

PRIETZEL, J.

Technical Univ. of Munich, Chair of Soil Science, Freising, Allemagne

Description :
The AA. investigated soil samples of 4 burnt slopes in the Karwendel Mountains of varying age after fire (wildfires occurred in 2003, 1962, 1946, and in 1250 AD) as well as of the surrounding soils that were not affected by combustion. Charcoal content of the O and A horizons was determined as well as pH, soil organic matter content and C/N ratio. It is highlighted that charcoal distribution followed a spatial and temporal pattern. The results also demonstrate that Alpine regions react sensitively to wildfires due to the steep slope angle, which causes not only short-term but also long-term modification in vegetation composition and erosion.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2012, vol. 99, p. 75-82, nombre de pages : 8, Références bibliographiques : 41 ref.

Date :
2012

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

Langue :
Anglais