Low-intensity prescribed fire has no immediate impact on soil physical and chemical properties or enzymatic activity in the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion, Texas, USA

Abstract

The historic development of the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion in Texas, USA, was shaped by natural wildfires. However, wildfire suppression has caused an increase in encroaching woody species. To address this issue, land management strategies incorporate prescribed fire (PF) for the control of encroaching species. Wildfire has been shown to impact soil physical and hydraulic properties as well as soil enzymatic activities; however, the effects of PFs, which are typically less intense than wildfires, are not as well-described. This study sought to quantify the effects, if any, of PF on soil physical and hydraulic properties and enzymatic activities in the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Comparative analysis was conducted on soil samples from 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm measured prior to and immediately after PF. Soil wet aggregate stability, unsaturated and saturated hydraulic conductivities, water retention, organic carbon, and enzyme activities were quantified. Results indicate that neither soil properties nor enzymatic activities were significantly altered due to low-intensity PF. Low-intensity PF has no immediate effect on soil physical and chemical properties or soil enzyme activity. Low-intensity PF is an effective land management tool that has no impact on the soil properties measured here.