Abstract

SANTOS, Israel et al. Impact of prescribed fire on soil aggregate stability in shrub areas in Montesinho Natural Park, NE Portugal. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2022, vol.45, n.4, pp.561-570.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.28542.

Soil is an indispensable resource for the maintenance of life. However, over time, it has undergone changes that may reduce its quality, compromising the maintenance of natural cycles dependent on this system. In this sense, fire is considered an activity that can interfere with the state of soil conservation. Due to the high use of controlled fire in Portugal as a vegetation management tool, it is important to carry out studies that contribute to the knowledge of its effects on the soil. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a controlled fire applied in the Montesinho Natural Park, NE Portugal, on the soil aggregate stability two and seven months after fire, compared to the original soil. Samples were collected in 11 points at depths 0-3, 3-6, 6-10, and 10-20 cm along two transects, with approximately 15 m of the distance between points and transects. After evaluating the aggregate stability, the soil conditions before and after the fire were compared. Fire contributed to the reduction of aggregation stability over time and soil depth, with larger aggregates showing less stability. These effects can translate into an increase in soil erodibility.

Keywords : prescribed fire; soil aggregation; Portugal.

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