Fire enhances changes in phosphorus (P) dynamics determining potential post-fire soil recovery in Mediterranean woodlands

Abstract

Soil phosphorus (P), which is essential for ecosystem functioning, undergoes notable changes after fire. However, the extent to which fire characteristics affect P dynamics remains largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of type of fire (prescribed burning and natural wildfires) of different levels of severity on P dynamics in Mediterranean soils. Soil P concentrations in the organic layers were strongly affected by fire severity but not fire type. Low severity fire did not have any observable effect, while moderate fire increased soil P levels by 62% and high severity decreased soil P concentration by 19%. After one year, the soil P concentration remained unchanged in the low severity fires, while rather complex recovery was observed after moderate and high severity fires. In the mineral layers, P concentration was reduced (by 25%) immediately after the fires and maintained for one year (at 42%). 31P-NMR spectroscopy revealed almost complete post-fire mineralization of organic P forms (mono- and diesters), large increases in inorganic orthophosphate and a decrease in the organic:inorganic P ratio (Po:Pi). After one year, di-esters and orthophosphate recovered to pre-fire levels at all sites, except those where parent material composition (high pH and Fe concentration) had an enduring effect on orthophosphate retention, and thus, on the total soil P. We showed that fire severity and soil pH (and hence, soil mineralogy) played an essential role in soil P dynamics. These findings are important for reliable assessment of the effects of fire on soil P conservation and for improving the understanding the impact of prescribed burning.