The impact of 2021 large forest fires on vegetation and soils, on the territory of distribution of light soil-forming rocks in Central Yakutia

Abstract

The influence of catastrophic forest fires in 2021 on the vegetation cover and soils of the middle taiga on the territory of distribution of light soil-forming rocks of Central Yakutia has been studied. Obtained results showed the cardinal dynamics of species diversity and productivity of the larch and pine forests surface vegetation in their natural state and in burnt areas. The stock of grass-shrub cover aboveground phytomass on the control larch and pine forests is higher for 5 and 10 times than that in the burnt areas, respectively. The work carried out revealed the effect of forest fires on the morphological structure (formation of pyrogenic layer, manifestation of pyro- and cryoturbations), the depth of thawing, the water regime of permafrost soils under larch and pine forests on control and burnt sites in the first year after strong fires. The soils in the study area are predominantly permafrost illuvial-ferruginous podzols. The study revealed an increase in the permafrost table depth of these soils, an increase in the level of ground water, and a decrease in acidity in the upper part of the profile. Intense ash formation was found due to the burning of litter. The characteristic of the current state of vegetation and soil cover is given.