Slow moving fires are more likely to create hydrophobic soil.
Following a fire, the soil can change dramatically depending on the length of the fire, the time of year and the area in which it occurred. Sometimes, the soil can benefit, but under other circumstances a fire will impede the ability of plants to grow and can cause erosion.
Moisture
When fires occur, the ground loses moisture. In some fires, the ground is scorched in a way that hydrophobicity occurs. According to Colorado State University, this is when a waxy layer forms over the soil and the water can no longer penetrate it. To find out if the soil is hydrophobic, put a few drops of water on the ground. If it does not soak in, dig a bit further until you find a layer into which the water will soak. This will help you break up the ground so moisture can soak back in. Also, since plants may have burned and the soil is hot, the water may have a hard time remaining in the soil. In contrast, when plants are growing early in the year, they will not be high enough to catch fire, and will be deep enough to keep the ground open and fertile.
Erosion
Erosion can occur if the ground is not moist enough and hydrophobic soil results. When it rains, this dry soil will run off more easily, causing mud and landslides. Breaking up the soil, either by hand or letting the wildlife take care of it by walking around and turning up the soil, will help ensure that erosion does not occur. The roots of plants can help keep the soil together, but if there was not much vegetation to begin with, erosion becomes even more likely.
Nutrients
The nutrients in the soil increase during a fire. This makes the ground more fertile for the plants that will recover. Nutrients like calcium, magnesium and nitrogen are let out because of the burning and high temperatures. The plants and soil that burn emit these in large amounts. While the fire kills them, their deaths create nutrient-filled soil.
Temperature
The temperature of the soil changes for a time as well. This is due to the charring of the earth and the subsequent lack of vegetation. This heat is actually good for the surviving plants, however, and can help them grow more quickly. The warm temperatures encourage vegetation to flourish, as does the more direct sunlight. Making sure the surviving plants get enough moisture is the biggest concern with higher soil temperature.
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