| Abstract: | Many scientists and managers have an interest in describing the environment following a fire to understand the effects on soil productivity, vegetation growth, and wildlife habitat, but little research has focused on the scientific rationale for classifying the post-fire environment. We developed an empirically-grounded soil post-fire index (PFI) based on available science and ecological thresholds. Using over 50 literature sources, we identified a minimum of five broad categories of post-fire outcomes: (a) unburned, (b) abundant surface organic matter ( > 85% surface organic matter), (c) moderate amount of surface organic matter ( ≥ 40 through 85%), (d) small amounts of surface organic matter ( < 40%), and (e) absence of surface organic matter (no organic matter left). We then subdivided each broad category on the basis of post-fire mineral soil colors providing a more fine-tuned post-fire soil index. We related each PFI category to characteristics such as soil temperature and duration of heating during fire, and physical, chemical, and biological responses. Classifying or describing post-fire soil conditions consistently will improve interpretations of fire effects research and facilitate communication of potential responses or outcomes (e.g., erosion potential) from fires of varying severities. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70039002 |
| Citation Author: | Jain, Theresa B.; Pilliod, David S.; Graham, Russell T.; Lentile, Leigh B.; Sandquist, Jonathan E. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 466 |
| Citation Issue: | 3 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Forests |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 22 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | MDPI Publishing |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Index for characterizing post-fire soil environments in temperate coniferous forests; 2012; Article; Journal; Forests; Jain, Theresa B.; Pilliod, David S.; Graham, Russell T.; Lentile, Leigh B.; Sandquist, Jonathan E. |
| Citation Start Page: | 445 |
| Citation Volume: | 3 |
| Citation Year: | 2012 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Index for characterizing post-fire soil environments in temperate coniferous forests; 2012; Article; Journal; Forests; Jain, Theresa B.; Pilliod, David S.; Graham, Russell T.; Lentile, Leigh B.; Sandquist, Jonathan E. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f3030445 |
| Date Other: | Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00 -0500 |
| Publisher: | MDPI Publishing |
