Does fire change nutrient cycling processes?
The Forest Inventory and Analysis group in Ogden will be sending field crews to all FIA plots within the burned areas in Idaho, Montana, and Utah. With their assistance, we propose to collect soil samples (to a depth of 20 cm) and surface litter remaining on three subplots. These samples will be analyzed for soil chemical (C, N, Ca, Mg, K, etc.) and physical properties (texture, rock content, OM content, etc.) and hydrophobicity (drop test). In addition, we will note burn severity, soil type, slope, aspect, and remaining stand conditions. From previous work (pre-burn) by these crews, we can assess stand structure, pre-burn soil conditions, and pre- and post-burn surface downed woody debris amounts. This will answer the key question about changes in total nutrient pools, look at nutrient movement into the soil profile, and evaluate losses. This data, applicable across both Regions, can be used to delineate unburned stands at possible risk for soil productivity degradation due to wildfir
