Post-fire dynamics of the main biogenic nutrients of the Pinus pinaster forest soil of Jijel, Northeastern Algeria

Abstract

Abstract Forest fires are part of the natural dynamics of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. In the Mediterranean regions, the ecosystems are shaped by this disturbance that they have been subjected to for a long time. This work aimed to study the effect of fire on the superficial soil of the Pinus pinaster forest of Jijel, Northeastern Algeria. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 0–5 cm at different dates over a period of 24 months, in a diachronic mode. The following parameters have been tested: total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), pH, cations exchange capacity (C.E.C.) and main exchangeable bases: calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). The results of the study showed a significant soil enrichment during the first few months after the fire; this temporary high fertility decreases with time due to ecosystem recovery, which could be interpreted as a return to the pre-fire state.