HOW DOES FIRE AFFECT THE BOREAL FOREST AND TUNDRA?
Research on the occurrence and effects of fire in Alaska’s boreal forest and tundra is still underway, and much remains to be learned. But scientists have discovered that fires have many important,beneficial effects in the boreal forest ecosystem. Fires also have some beneficial effects in tundra areas but they are less understood. Fires affect the soil, vegetation, and wildlife of burned areas. How Does Fire Affect Forest And Tundra Soil? Changes in soil nutrients and temperature are among the first environmental changes triggered by fire. When plants and dead vegetation are burned, the minerals trapped in their leaves, stems, and wood are released and returned to the environment in the form of gases and ash. The ashes left by fire are rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals. These minerals, previously trapped in organic material, enrich the soil. Fire also helps enrich the soil indirectly by affecting the depths of the permafrost and active layers. Few fires direct
